Do you have multiple copies of any of your books?If so, why? Absent-mindedness? You love them that much? First Editions for the shelf, but paperbacks to read?
If not, why not? Not enough space? Not enough money? Too sensible to do something so foolish?
I don't have very many multiple copies, as far as single copies go. I do have some individual paperback versions that are also included in hardcover collections of individual authors, though not very many. We have a few first editions, but we treat them like our other books, and have been known to actually read them!
The only book that immediately comes to mind that I own two copies of "on purpose" so to speak, is The Cloister Walk, by Kathleen Norris. I bought the paperback, and read it at a time when it really helped me, even though I was reading it for pleasure, without thinking it would have such an effect. A couple of years later, The Tim bought me a hardcover copy that was remaindered. Every once in a while, I think I'll donate the paperback copy to the library book sale, but it seems too much like a friend to let go. So both copies exist on the shelf, side by side. I pick them up and read parts over again from time to time (it's that kind of book, you don't need to read it through all at one time).
(Sadly, I have only one copy of "The Fabulous Mr. Ed." But that makes it all the more special...)
7 comments:
I occasionally find multiple copies of books on my shelves. This is from pure forgetfulness. I began to use a spreadsheet a few years ago to help keep track but that soon fell by the wayside. I found I had 2 copies of Folk Socks in time to send one to my Sockapalooza Pal, which was fun.
I also order multiple copies of DVDs - I now have 3 copies of The Number 23 (which I loved) and 2 copies of 300 (which I hated).
I don't blame you for not wanting to part with your paperback copy of a meaningful book. I think I would have a hard time with that too. :-)
I occasionally end up with multiple copies if (1) I spill something on the first copy then buy another because I really like it and know I'll reread it; or (2) if I lend it to someone and despair that they will ever give it back so I buy another copy and then 3 years later they give me the original back but I don't give either away because I really like it and know I'll reread it.
Okay, every once in a while (not too often because I really am NOT a complete airhead) I will buy a book that I am interested in reading only to find that I've already bought it and forgot.
But that hardly ever happens.
I only very occasionally buy books for myself (except of the knitting variety). I realized that I almost never re-read books, and I go to the library almost weekly, so that satisfies my needs most of the time. All bets are off with the kids, though, since my kids both love to re-read books, so I buy them messes of books, along with the dozen or so they check out weekly.
The only possible bad effect is that my future YA/adult-reader kids can't pluck some of these gems off the shelves at home. But its not like I don't have a ton of books already, but I am just not adding to the bohemoth.
I sure hope you're not expecting great literary news from me. You can call me your ignorant little friend ;) The only book I own 2 of, is Stephen King's "The Stand". Why? Love fright and suspense. I thought this was one of his best and after reading the paperback, the unabridged edition was released with an added 600 pages. The only book I went back to after reading once that was a non-text. So there, I admit it. I lack tremendously in the reading dept of life these days.
I just picked up The Cloister Walk last weekend browsing.
The only dupes I have are knitting books. Now. I used to pick up doubles of paperbacks by prolific authors, but I'm pretty much caught up now.
I do not have any multiple copies of books, not enough room is the reason. First editions? Only one, a first edition of Dune. Oh, and I've read it too :)
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