Some thoughts on books

I love having books around and my flat is full of bookshelves. I don't feel a home is furnished without lots of books. I buy a couple most weeks (mainly second hand, from charity shops) and after reading them I keep about half and either pass on the others to someone I think will enjoy them, or send them right back to the charity shop. Last weekend I was in the new Age Concern book shop on Cowley Road (which I recommend if you haven't found it yet) thinking about what makes me want to buy a book.

First and foremost, I have to believe I'm actually going to read the book and enjoy the experience. I have enough pretty reference books already and I've also given up reading things I don't enjoy just because I feel they are something I *should* read. The book has to be in reasonable condition, although not necessarily perfect. Illustrations are a bonus if they are done well. I also like to feel that this particular edition of the book is attractive and has been manufactured to a good standard (in other words, that this book is a well designed object I might want to keep). This view has been strengthened by working in papermaking and printing for years, but I had it before. I think it comes from my paternal grandmother, who used to work in a book saloon on Fleet Street, and my mother, who also collects lovely editions of books.

Harder to define is that I like the form to fit the contents, so a cheap paperback is fine for chick lit, but for a classic book I want a really attractive edition to keep and for unusual books I like interesting production values (I have a copy of Brave New World with slightly surreal illustrations and a mirror finish cover which would be a terrible combination for any other book but fits this one fine). My poetry books are mainly paperbacks and small enough to fit in a pocket or handbag and I'm happy for them to get battered. I prefer reference books to be bound in leather and built to last.

It also helps if the book is one I will be able to discuss with friends or family, so I read much more sci-fi and fantasy than I might do if all my friends didn't read so much of it. Although (unless it's been chosen for book group) I won't read a book I actually dislike. I'm also quite happy to read a book just for my own interest that no-one else I know is likely to be interested in. And I buy books written by friends (new copies rather than second hand, so they actually get some money!). Luckily my friends write books I enjoy reading.