Source: strange and random happenstance

Have you ever been reading a book and find that you can't read the next page because it has never been cut? But this surprisingly happened to me just the other day while I was reading my copy of Lark Rise to Candleford. Of course this used to be a common occurrence with older books, and it was de riguer in Austen's lifetime. Ever wondered why Mr. Bennet in the BBC miniseries has a knife whilst sitting in his study avoiding the shrill cries of his wife? And no, not just plotting on his behalf. People actually kept knives ("paperknives") nearby in order to open said pages... they weren't there to keep away book pilferers as you might have thought. So out of interest I wandered to the lovely web and looked up uncut pages only to find I have been using a misnomer for years, I should have been saying unopened pages! Also it turns out I should have used a parring knife not a regular old knife... but it turned out better than the time I tried to do it with my finger to the first volume of Pride and Prejudice that was my grandmother's when I was a teenager and it now has a very "badly opened" page indeed (ie torn and raggedy).

As the book collector's glossary explains unopened pages: "A state where the book's pages at the fore edge and/or top are still joined from the folding. This cannot occur if the book has been properly cut. At one time many books were issued unopened, and it is not uncommon to find older books still in this pristine state."

It further goes on to say: "A rare book that is unopened may be considerably more valuable than that same book opened. Therefore, one should consider carefully before opening a book. Of course, you cannot read a book that is unopened, at least not in its entirety."

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I found this article to be quite interesting. I am, however, one of those rare book collectors who actually reads her books. I know.... How could I? My reply is "How could I NOT?" My collection rose from my desire to have a personal library full of well loved books waiting to be reread and books as yet unread waiting to give me the pleasure of reading. Don't get me wrong, I love the hunt - the rare find - a lovely, rare book (especially one at a good price). I love the fine, leather bindings and gold gilt page ends - the author signature - the first edition. As strong as this love may be, however, books are all about reading for me - always have been. I read very carefully but I do read.

How about you? Do you read your treasures or place them on a shelf or behind glass and love them from a bit of a distance? I'd love your feedback...

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