Friday 16 April 2010

Old books and what Orwell missed



Auckland City Libraries has done it again. I requested a few books (actually I have 30 on loan - the limit!) and these two beauties came in, straight out of 1956 and 1947, respectively.

I read Orwell for some insight on the people group I just left, and yes, this social prophet had some good things to say. But even though Orwell may have hit the nail on the head regarding civil liberties (1984) and totalitarianism (Animal Farm) he was way off the mark with other trends.

This is my favorite quote:

As for the general weakening of sex morals that has happened during the past 20 or 30 years, it is probably a temporary thing, resulting from the excess of women over men in the population. 

Ha. This was in 1947 - somebody didn't see the 60's coming!

Anyway, I asked the librarian if I could buy these books, but not a chance. I returned them and they're back in ciruculation, ready to bring joy to other book lovers in Auckland.

Hope you have a good weekend!

3 comments:

La Dolce Vita said...

I also love old books...they have a special appeal to me... :)

I will look forward reading your book as soon as it will be available! ;)

Nadine said...

I love old books. I have a set of Enid Blyton's Famous Five back in LA and I love the texture of the paper and the smell that comes as I flip through the pages. There is such a history to older books.

alisha said...

I'm tempted to blow up giant posters of these book covers to still feel like I have them. Glad it's not just me addicted to old books. :)

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