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Thus the questions is, should I get the old hardbound physical text or should I go for a more modern digital approach by way of getting a kindle, Nook, Ipad etc? Opinions? Comments?
Monday, November 15, 2010
Harvard Classics
I have a quick question for the masses...
I have been contemplating the idea of purchasing the full 50 volume edition of the Harvard Classics. It is likely the best collection of books ever compiled to fit on a five foot shelf. I have always enjoyed the feeling of holding and marking up some of the greatest works of literature. However, I have come upon a dilemma. I can also access and read just about every book in the Harvard Classics for free online through Project Gutenberg and other legitimate sources.
Thus the questions is, should I get the old hardbound physical text or should I go for a more modern digital approach by way of getting a kindle, Nook, Ipad etc? Opinions? Comments?
Thus the questions is, should I get the old hardbound physical text or should I go for a more modern digital approach by way of getting a kindle, Nook, Ipad etc? Opinions? Comments?
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Well, I generally get headaches from screens, so I am hesitant to convert my library into electronic form. I will refer you to one of my favorite ever talks: http://new.lds.org/ensign/2009/06/our-refined-heavenly-home?lang=eng especially the part about President Hinckley's childhood home. I think he grew up with the Harvard Classics, but I might be wrong
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kristen, I am still a fan of reading a piece of paper. If you got the books than it would really look cool on a set of shelfs (but then again, you would loose space in your home). BUT.... if you got a kindle/nook/ipad, than you have access to tons of other cool features too (but your electricity bill might hurt from all the recharging...)
ReplyDeleteJust to a pro/cons list.
I'm on the fence. I enjoy the physical stimulation of turning a page, dogmarking, and writing in the margins. However, I also want a Kindle, for the sole fact that as a transient student, pack and unloading cases of books is back breaking.
ReplyDeleteKristen,
ReplyDeleteThe reason I originally thought of buying the Harvard Classics is because of the comment by Elder Douglas L. Callister when he came and gave that talk back in fall Semester of 2006. It was the best devotional I have ever been to and the best talk I have yet heard and applied in my life.
In his talk he speaks of how President Hinckley was once in his home and notice that he had the Harvard Classics. President Hinckley commented that he had the same collection in his own home.
http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=11394
I love having and holding the hardbound books. However, the biggest setback is I know I will likely be moving at least 3 or 4 times in the next few years and the last thing you ever want to carry is dozen boxes loaded down with books.
I LOVE the Harvard Classics! But I am at the point in my life where I want my 5 ft bookshelf back! I have bought several books from the list at used book stores around the country - I love having them (& the search is fun, too!) I love reading them - my favorite is about Dana - - -
ReplyDeletebut - with the idea in mind that my eventual bookshelf will be completely digital, I would personally go with the digital path!
Hey James! I didn't realize you had a blog! Coming from your clutter clearing, cheapest option sister... I would just check the books out from the library. Then you don't have to store or move all the books and you spare your eyes from staring at a screen... plua it's free!
ReplyDeleteOf course this option eliminates your ability to mark up the book.
It makes my heart ache when I think about how nice a beautiful bookshelf is and how it might not be practical to have them in the future. Ever since I saw Beauty and the Beast I promised myself I would make a library like the Beast's in my own home, complete w/ sliding ladder. I don't know how realistic this is anymore.
ReplyDeleteI guess it comes down to if you want the ability to pull a book off a shelf and sit down with it. Most of the functionality of writing on the pages and stuff is/will be developed.
p.s. sorry this is a long comment but I didn't know about this set and I will definitely be looking into it and reading that talk you and Kristen mentioned :)