All other things being equal–do you prefer used books? Or new books? (The physical speciman, that is, not the title.) Does your preference differentiate between a standard kind of used book, and a pristine, leather-bound copy?
Good question, though difficult to provide a definitive answer to, honestly. I love to browse through new and used bookstores. I love the smell, the sights, the feel of both. Given the choice, I would fill my shelves with new books, but I cannot afford to be a book snob. So here's what I do. If I am shopping for something for bookclub, which necessitates a new book each month, I gravitate to the second-hand bookstore. For that special book, one I am dying to read and cannot wait for, I go for a new book. I love to check out the shelves of both. If I find something I like in a new bookstore, I will buy it if the price is reasonable. I have to confess, though, that I often buy more books at a second-hand bookstore. The price is right and quite often the variety is excellent.
PS I do love a good leather-bound book, new or used. Who doesn't? Sometimes the patina of a used leather bound book, softened with use, is more attractive. So there, how's that for definitive?
Given the choice, what is your preference? Please leave a comment below with a link to your BTT post or answer in the comment itself. Don't forget to link with the originator, Booking Through Thursday.
This Something Old, Something New theme of the week is hosted at Booking Through Thursday, a book and reading blog.
