Books

In my continuing purge of goods, I realized I had several books that are origin-free. Michael told me they were mine, yet I have no idea how (aside through marriage) that they came into my possession. It makes sense that they would be mine, as they are about architecture. (My undergraduate degree is in Architecture) - but there are no inscriptions or indications of where they came from. It is like they materialized from dust -which in my home is entirely possible.

As I am no longer pursuing studies or anything more than an casual enjoyment of architecture, I'm not sure what to do with them. All of the books are from the 1960's - two by Pevsner "An Outline of European Architecture" and "Pioneers of Modern Design". Then Le Corbusier's "Towards a New Architecture" (1963 edition). Finally, Hitchcock’s "Architecture: Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries" All worthy tomes, yet not worth selling on eBay. I may see if I can sell them to the local used book store for $2 a pop.

There is a guilt with getting rid of books in me. Books are the main vehicle through which society's information traffics the centuries. Libraries provide the time machine and preservation means for ideas, stories and histories. Sometimes there are problems with the storage locker. Notice how the Ancient Greek authors have names that cluster around eight letters, A, D, E, H, P, S, T and X. Why? Was there a fire and only these shelves left standing amid the ashes?

That I do not want to keep these books suggests that I am not a good steward of our culture. While I can soothe myself with the thought that I am limited by my means. If I had space, they would have a good home. Yet with a mixture of honesty and guilt, I know that I am not as interested in these ideas as I am others. One can also add in the nagging feeling that I will, at some time in the future, want to have these books. One day I'll be possess with the need to know what caused specific elements to appear in European cathedrals or review Le Corbusier's Manual of the Dwelling. At which point, I will not have these reference books on hand and will lose legitimacy in an argument because I lack a sufficient bibliography.

Those worries aside, these books will be put along the "too lazy or unsure to take action" wall in my apartment and I'll get changed into my killer, pink sock money pajamas. In bed with me will be Carly Fiorina - well, the biography of her that my mother gave me for Christmas. Not one to voluntarily read a biography - though somehow memoirs are acceptable? - I will be giving Carly a change to show me her world view.

Wishing everyone a good read. Please post me ideas of what to do with these books - or a request and I'll send them too you.