The Prague Post discussion “Are Books Dead?” took place Nov. 17 before a crowd of nearly 100 people at the National Gallery. The event stretched into the night, with plenty of questions from the audience and animated debate taking place after the panel discussion had concluded. The distinguished panel of writers, publishers, journalists and theorists covered a wide range of topics, from the necessity of striving for absolute modernity in literature and publishing, to the way that internet publishing technology has established a gray area where copyright is concerned.
Especially notable was the fact that Dr. Douglas Shields’ Dix most recent publication, The Eternal Return, a two volume book which weaves between novel, biography and literary criticism, was debuted at the discussion, having just arrived from the printer the night before. The book will soon be reviewed in The Prague Post.
The panelists’ opinions on books and the future of print publication were diverse; Petra Hulova insisted she was not nostalgic for the book-as-object, instead saying she appreciates the simplicity her e-reader has brought to her life. On a similar note, David Shorf expressed surprise that he no longer felt attached to the ritual of enjoying a coffee, a cigarette and a print newspaper in a cafe, although he maintained that he still faithfully reads magazines. Douglas Shields Dix emerged as a somewhat unwilling defender of books, saying that books need not be abandoned, even as digital technologies are embraced.
Howard Sidenberg brought up several interesting points from the publisher’s point of view. Notably, he said that the dynamics of book reviews and their influence on book sales is rapidly changing. Whereas once a book needed a review from a reputable print publication to keep it from sinking into obscurity, now short reader reviews on Amazon.com and other websites do more to lead potential readers to books than even a review in the most mainstream publication.
The discussion ranged more widely than the simple focus suggested in the title, and while no definitive answer was reached, perhaps Dr. Dix said it best: “As long as there are people willing to read books, books are not dead.” What became clear was that the topic is timely, and will continue to be debated.
““As long as there are people willing to read books, books are not dead.””
This can be said of nearly anything – film, music, sport, art, etc. Neverthless, the discussion is very well worthwhile and topical.
The medium is not the most important factor (e.g. video, CD, DVD, etc), but rather the content – in other words, substance should prevail over style.
This does not happen as it should (in my personal opinion) in modern film and music, for example, where there is an obsession with style to the detriment of content and quality.