In Why There Are Pages and Why They Must Turn, Robert Bringhurst essentially outlines the change in medium that writing and storytelling have experienced throughout history. He identifies pros as well as cons, but his tone towards electronic books is notably skeptical throughout the article. He argues that the “tangible form of a book” is “rewarding” because it “stands for an intangible reality alive in the heart and mind” (Bringhurst and Bay 2). To anyone who has read a printed book, this point rings true. Something about turning a page in a book cannot be duplicated by simply scrolling down a computer screen. However, at this point I would argue that Bringhurst might not feel the same way today. E-Readers have gained a great deal of popularity in the past two years, and many of these devices mimic the “feel” of a book quite well. The user can swipe the screen, which then mimics a page turn. The lack of the page turn was one of the most fundamental differences between print and electronic books.
Bringhurst’s position on electronic writing seems clear in light of what he says about electronic writing: “The result may be typographically inept; in fact, it may be downright ugly, as most things typed on computers now are—and it may or may not have literary value” (Bringhurst and Bay 5). It seems obvious that the intrinsic value of a book is not determined by the medium in which it is developed but by the content and meaning of its words. I fail to see how something beautiful that is typed on a computer is somehow less valuable than the exact same thing written on a page. Admittedly, I may be missing the point. Bringhurst could simply be arguing that writing a print book is more difficult than writing an electronic work. Therefore, the number of low quality electronic books is inflated. If so, I would argue that many poorly written or ugly books have been printed over the years. The quality of the work is determined by the skill of the author.
Even though electronic books may still not be able to mimic the experience of printed books, electronic books have not developed completely. Even in the short two years since this article was written, electronic books have evolved to some degree. I believe that this change is not over yet. We will continue to see development in the near future. So will electronic books ever truly replace printed books? I do not know, and I cannot know until the electronic book is fully realized.
WORKS CITED
Bringhurst, Robert; Bay, Heriot. “Why There Are Pages and Why They Must Turn.” World Literature Today 82.5 (2008): 20-26. Web. 18 February 2011.
Unit 3-Peer Review of C-Biggs
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog and your thoughts on the comparison of eBooks versus printed books. I like some of the points you made like when you say, turning a page cannot be duplicated by scrolling down on a computer screen. I do agree with that, but I was glad when you also added that eBooks can mimic the “feel” of turning a page. I could not agree with you more. With eBooks being available on so many devices, it is just easier to read an eBook than it is to carry around a large heavy book with you wherever you go.
I also, like you, do not see how something that is typed has any less value than something that is written on paper. I would think, whether written or typed, the work should be treated with the same values. I would not think writing something on paper and publishing a book would be any different than writing something in a digital form and getting it published
There will be, like there is in everything, a development over time for eBooks. As years go by, things develop more and people are always finding better ways for something to run. I, like you, do not know if eBooks will be the preference of the future, but personally I think it will be a great challenge for the printed book to keep up with the digital age.
Yes, I too enjoyed reading your blog and thought you made several good points about electronic books. Your point about "turning a page cannot be duplicated" is in my opinion absolutley correct. The lack of turning pages is the most fundemental difference between a e-book and a printed book. When comparing the beauty of things written on a computer to things written on a page, I am at a loss as well. One thing I see differenlty than you is the question of weather e-books will replace printed books. I don't believe they will, but I respectfully admit that I also do not know. I hope not, I enjoy turning those pages. Thank you for your blog, it was enjoyable and interesting.
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