I know what you’re thinking. If people read, don’t they generally read new books? If there is a cause to defend, wouldn’t it be old books? Yes, I do think that for the general population, old books need to be encouraged more. However, this post is for a much smaller audience of people, possibly only myself (though I think there may be a few others with my tendencies).
I grew up loving to read and came to prefer old books. Even the newer books I read were historical fiction so they felt like they were from an earlier time. Though I did (and still do) read current nonfiction books, my favorite fiction was almost always old. There were so many wonderful classics, influential hundreds of years later, why would I risk wasting my time on something new? New books always had the risk of being trashy (if secular) or kitschy (if Christian).
In the last few years, something has changed. I have found a wonderful community in the Rabbit Room. It has been so refreshing to know fellow artists who love the classics as much as I do and who take their faith, as well as their craft, seriously. These artists are collectively putting out some great books, new books. They also are generously directing people to other great new books (and music, and film, etc.) For the first time that I can remember, I am getting excited about new books (fiction as well as nonfiction) being published. I’m also having to watch my budget a little more closely. Old books often had the advantage of being available at the library or used book stores for tuppence.
As someone who aspires to writing for publication, I also realized that I should be willing to financially support writers (artists) who are putting out great work by buying their products. These authors need encouragement and incentive for them to continue putting out good work! While Austen and Dickens won’t personally be impacted if I buy their books new or second hand, living authors will be.
If we no longer read the old classics, we’ll be forfeiting a beautiful, rich heritage to build on. However, if we stop writing new books of worth, we’ll have lost our part in the creative work. I want to participate in the creative work, drawing from the rich foundation of English literature. Along the way, I also want to encourage others in the work.
If you have been looking for new authors to read, I’ll throw out a few names of fiction authors/publishers I have been getting to know. Bandersnatch Books, Helena Sorensen (fantasy), Malcom Guite (poetry), Jonathan Rogers (children’s fiction), Vesper Stamper (historical fiction, illustrator), and Carolyn Leiloglou (children’s fiction). There are many others that I’m curious to read, but am having to bide my time for the opportunity to sample their books. Happy reading!
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