Being taken at book value in the era of visual media
Credibility bookcases speak volumes about people, as everyone is not easy to read.
By ET Bureau |
Getty Images
In the era of visual media, to voice a definitive opinion, it is necessary to have spine. There is no point flapping on about an issue either; solid background information is a must.
No wonder so many people appear to have hit upon an easy way to demonstrate both: impressive rows of books as backdrops for their perorations. Judging books by their covers may not be wise but judging people by their bookshelves — especially as everyone is not easy to read — has clearly become a lockdown thing.
Just as eagle eyes took the titles of the coffee table glossies behind Meghan Markle during a recent TV guest appearance as clues to her choices for everything from home décor (Wood and Iron: Industrial Interiors) to possible career paths (The Black Godfather: The Clarence Avant Story), a well-curated collection can speak volumes about anyone. Such as US presidential candidate Joe Biden’s bookshelves, or his opponent’s lack of them.
Unsurprisingly, ‘credibility bookshelves’ are the subject of intense debate and deconstruction and #rainbowshelfie has acquired a relevance beyond Bookstagrammers and BookTubers.
Of course, as booksellers are reporting unusual sales patterns lately — by titles, lettering and spine colours, indicating literary ornamentation — the intellectual inclinations of the owners cannot always be taken as read.
No wonder so many people appear to have hit upon an easy way to demonstrate both: impressive rows of books as backdrops for their perorations. Judging books by their covers may not be wise but judging people by their bookshelves — especially as everyone is not easy to read — has clearly become a lockdown thing.
Just as eagle eyes took the titles of the coffee table glossies behind Meghan Markle during a recent TV guest appearance as clues to her choices for everything from home décor (Wood and Iron: Industrial Interiors) to possible career paths (The Black Godfather: The Clarence Avant Story), a well-curated collection can speak volumes about anyone. Such as US presidential candidate Joe Biden’s bookshelves, or his opponent’s lack of them.
Unsurprisingly, ‘credibility bookshelves’ are the subject of intense debate and deconstruction and #rainbowshelfie has acquired a relevance beyond Bookstagrammers and BookTubers.
Of course, as booksellers are reporting unusual sales patterns lately — by titles, lettering and spine colours, indicating literary ornamentation — the intellectual inclinations of the owners cannot always be taken as read.
You know those fat books that have forever been on your reading list and shelf, but end up collecting dust due to your busy schedule. There's no time like the present to go back and finish those long reads.
The lockdown has left many of us with more time on our hands than we'd like, so why not make the most of it and turn the pages of a worthwhile read.
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