Livraria Lello, a must-see in Porto, is considered one of the most beautiful bookshops of the world. There is no doubt everybody is impressed by its heavily decorated wooden walls and stained glass ceilings. Its beautiful spiral staircase is said to have been the inspiration for the Harry Potter moving staircases at Hogwarts School. In fact, J. K. Rowling probably visited this enchanting place quite often when living in the city.
In today´s digital age, where e-books use is certainly on the rise, paper books are at risk of disappearing, and bookshops and libraries with them. Project Gutenberg started the first digital library in 1971, but it is nowadays when more and more readers opt for this medium. They claim plenty of advantages: when travelling the weight is lighter; if you own a lot of books, they take up much space; they are cheaper; your eyes are not so strained because you can change the size and darkness of the letters...
I think the point is not to give up reading, no matter if it is on an electronic screen or printed text. Personally, I still prefer having a small collection of my favourite books in paper neatly displayed on my bookshelf to having an entire library I will not have time to read in an electronic device. Besides, I will not get rid of my library cards yet. I strongly believe it is a wonderful experience when you browse through a bookstore in a quiet atmosphere, when you touch and hold a good book in your hands, get that comforting smell of paper and enjoy seeing a nice cover. I admit the convenience of ebooks, but I fear the sentimental value of reading may be lost.
I agree with you. I need to touch, to smell and, occasionally, to read the books.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion is more or less the same that yours, Ana. I prefer printed texts but recognize that our pupils prefer learning using electronic devices.
ReplyDeleteI was in Porto once, but didn't visit the bookshop Livraria Lello. I hope I could do the next time.
Congratulations for your blog!
On this World Book and Copyright Day, 23rd April, we must remember that the most important is not the medium but the content, what is written, the words, which sometimes have the power to name the unnameable... and behind them, the authors. Let´s pay tribute to them and their contribution to the social and cultural progress of humanity.
ReplyDeleteGreat to recall the writers, above all, and the respect for copyright, which encourages the spreading of wisdom and good thinking and rewards their creators and publishers.
DeleteI have an ebook. I bought it one year ago and now I read in everywhere: at the bus stop, at the doctor’s office, in the lift (I work at the top floor), while I am having a coffe and, of course, laying in my couch. It’s small (16x12cm, more or less) and very light. It doesn’t matter how big the book can be, its weight is always 170gr. I love it. However, I don’t think the printed book could dissapear. It’s part of our culture, tradition and way of life. Actually, I still buy printed books, specially my favourites writers’ books.
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