Libraries

A recent issue of Financial Times had an article by Emma Jacobs, “In our good books: Libraries and why every home should (still) have one.” Illustrated was a grand library at Theological Hall, built in the 1670s at Strahov Monastery in Prague. On view are thousands of books under an ornate ceiling, and at least three terrestrial globes. One can imagine monks, singles and in groups, patronizing the place, although no chairs are evident.

The point is that in today’s world it is still desirable to have a library. There is something cozy and comfortable about such, and I believe that Oswald Spengler said something to the effect, “A great comfort and consolation is a shelf filled with unread books.” A book can transport you into a different time and place, taking you away from everyday cares.

Of course, it can be argued that the Internet can do this as well, but there is something special about the printed page. Hardly a day goes by in which I do not receive an email, less often a typed letter, from a reader of one or another of my books. I am blessed that Whitman Publishing, LLC, issues most of them, as they are available nationwide in just about every bookstore. Most are priced quite reasonably, typically from just under $20 to under $30, although some of the larger hardbound editions cost more.

Among my new years wishes to you: Happy reading!