I think there are still those who prefer books, second-hand and otherwise, over e-books.
I am reminded of Brodksy's affirmation. The reading population has always been a minority, and it will continue to be despite the unprecedented spike in global literacy rates.
This is not to say that all is well. It is just something that may console us.
Interestingly, Brodsky's suggestion for increasing readership involves replacing the Bible and the telephone book at hotels with a slim anthology of American poetry. Of course, this can suggestion be extended to other countries and traditions of poetry.
The essay I'm talking about is called "An Immodest Proposal."
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