So, Is it wrong of me to buy books just for decoration?

[Matthew]

I recently picked up the complete hitchhikers guide to the galaxy in a nice leather bound book simply for displaying it on my shelf. I have not read this series yet and if I do I know I will not crack this book open. I will end up getting the Kindle edition. I just want the cool looking book on my shelf. Not even sure why I still have a book shelf.

I totally want all these specially bound B&N Classics even though I know I would never touch a single one for reading.

Anyone else have this habit?

[Tamahome]

Yes, it is wrong. But I used to do it.

[Kate]

I don't think it's wrong. Buying a book for decorative purposes is no different than hanging a painting in your house, is it? Certainly visitors to my flat are usually more interested in our bookshelves than our wall hangings.

And it's probably good for the economy.

[Halbot42]

Probably less wrong than most things you can do with you money, its not like you're buying exxon stock or a microsoft product or anything. I have found over the years that i usually have more stimulating conversations with people who surround themselves with books than those who don't. This has led me to an observation; I know plenty of smart people who dont read, but i dont know any not-smart people who read alot. Of course many who read a great deal somehow come to all the wrong conclusions but they share those appalling conclusions with a much better vocabulary. Think Buckley, often appallling, but interesting. Also, thanks for letting me know bout those cool leather bound editions, i like to gift books and those will make great presents. Also, please read Hitchhiker's Matthew, it really is one of the funniest things ive ever read, i reread that whole omnibus edition at least every few years.

[Amanda]

I do most of my reading on my Kindle, but I still love adding tangible books to my library. There is something extremely comforting about being surrounded by books. And that smell that older books tend to have? Love it!