How do we consume literature?
Once upon a time, the only way to consume literature was ink on paper. Print particularly abounded in the nineteenth century. This was specifically for two reasons, writes Matthew Taunton. : the first being due to the leap in technological development that allowed for mass print, and the increased travel system of road networks and the invention of the railway, and the second, according to Taunton, was the social and educational development that encouraged access to literary products, and the subsequent increase of literacy rates.
Fast-forward to the twenty-first century. Now, more than ever we have different ways to read, in addition to the traditional method: we have e-readers such as Kindle devices, and entire books can be downloaded and saved on smart phones too. Even traditional audio books, which used to be available on tapes or CDs, can now be downloaded and listened to on our ubiquitous mobile phones. These are to name but a few ways to enjoy literature. Yet, the thing that they all have in common is that they are all electronic methods. Not only do we now have printed literature, but we also have, added into the equation, all of these relatively new ways to read.
Each method of consuming literature has some advantages over the others. Electronically, it means you can have multiple books stored on a device, saving lots of storage. For me, this is a definite win. As someone who reads quickly, not having to lug lots of paperback books into a suitcase (let alone hardbacks!) whilst on holiday definitely has its perks. And also, eBooks are more accessible as they can be bought and downloaded anytime and anywhere – even on the beach!
On the other hand, I also buy lots of paperback book, despite owning a Kindle. Why? The reading experience of having a paperback is entirely different to reading an electronic book. The smell, for instance. Nothing can beat the smell of a fresh paperback book! There is also the visual effect of having an attractive book that you are able to proudly display on a shelf. Obviously, an electronic book does not have that same beauty.
Despite the rise of eBooks, it seems that the paper book is here to stay. Staying with the theme of technology and books, the next blog post will explore the relationship between Flash Fiction and the distribution and production of literature. If you can’t wait for the next blog post that centres on Flash Fiction, you can buy Paul McDonald’s Lydia Davis: A Study here, about an author who is known for her Flash Fiction.