[Mithalwen]

Well I would have been quids in as a student since just about all my primary texts - about 60 volumes a year - would have been free downloads since out of copyright (and about a third or them were in French and were consequently impoorted and expensive despite being cheap editions) and the only volume I parted with voluntarily (again a couple of loans proved "permanent" grrrrr) was "Look back in Anger " which I loathe with a passion and donated ot a luvvy acquaintance who was going to perform it... The rest are still occupying my shelves - though some maybe not for much longer! Ironically I have read a real book this week despite my new toy - yes it has a familiar feel but the print is tiny and as a promotional copy the production values are low. It was a harmless enough light read - I shall pass it to friend going on holiday soon and it will no doubt be left at the hotel for whomsoever. Not all books are things of beauty and a joy for ever and those that are are clumsy and cumbersome to actually read.

I love my slipcase first edition Children of Hurin. It is beautiful but I haven't actually read it all the way through because I feel I have to practially wear white cotton gloves.