Monday, July 12, 2010

heresy...

   Regular readers probably know that I am-what's the best way to put it-a little on the old fashioned side.  When given a choice between the old and the new, I will pick the old almost every time (the devil you know and all that.)  Last week, however, I took a leap into profoundly heretical ground.  I bought an e-reader (a Barnes and Noble "nook" to be specific.)  What could make me take such an unprecedented leap? I think it was a combination of declining book-shelf space, declining book budget, and the dramatically better reading screens of today's readers. 
   Since getting my nook, I have downloaded 150 or so books, almost all old Unitarian works, and have, so far spent 2 dollars (1 for a searchable King James Bible, and one for the three volume set of Mommson's History of Rome.)  All the rest are free from Google Books.  Now a word of warning-many of the scans are not great and most are not very searchable.  Occasionally I find pages missing and other frustrations. I wont pretend that it is better that having that old book in your hand-it's not and never will be (I did buy a plain ecclesiastical  black cover which helps a little.)  But if what you want is the ability to read an old Unitarian sermon at any time and any place (and who doesn't want that!) it is a pretty amazing thing...

Blessings
 

8 comments:

Lizard Eater said...

Yup. I got a Kindle, because it was cheaper than buying more bookcases, and a new house with more wall space for the bookcases.

Just downloaded the Memoir of Samuel Joseph May.

slt said...

That is one of the first things that I downloaded! Rev. May would be amazed. Hope all continues to go well-thanks for writing and
Blessings, BU

Steven Rowe said...

add me as one who has book readers(yep plural) because of my need not to buy more bookcases.
And yes, I have lots of old Universalist books in them. What's ironic of course, is that books that once were rare are now commonplace.
and it's the "more recent" books that you cant find.

Lizard Eater said...

Please let me know any other good May stuff you find. The more I read of him, the more I'm convinced that he had a big effect on L.M. Alcott, who had a big influence on me, e.g. "It is necessary to do right, it is not necessary to be happy." (Eight Cousins, LMA)

Lizard Eater said...

Please let me know if you find any other good Rev. May items. The more I read, the more intrigued I am of his effect on LM Alcott. Seems like there are many echoes of his words in her books.

slt said...

Hello SC,
I cant imagine multiple readers but I suppose it will happen someday! Your point about old and new books is very well taken...Many thanks for writing and
blessings, BU

slt said...

Hey LE,
I would be very happy to send along more on May. What is the best email address for me to use? Many blessings to you. BU

Yewtree said...

Yes you can get William Ellery Channing on Google Books - I lurve his sermons :D