Weighty matter. Weight of books.

With paper prices going up due to shortages of natural gas used in the manufacture, plus transportation costs, books are becoming lighter; much lighter. Weighing my 1968 hardback copy of 'Four Novels The Bronte Sisters' by Spring Books, it tips the scales at almost one and three quarter kilos; apparently marvellous for use in weight bearing exercises to help increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis. So maybe visits to antiquarian and second hand bookshops, especially with steep old winding staircases, might be considered healthy options over Waterstones and suchlike.

As well as helping with recycling, there's more variety, and the chance to pick up a classic, which have sadly disappeared from library shelves. On the downside, buying second hand books doesn't help authors - except perhaps to whet customers appetites for when the said author writes a new book.