Paper books or e-books

I have been using my e-reader for over 2 years now, having first purchased it prior to going on a 6-week long trip. Definitely easier than carrying a number of books with me while traveling. And I especially like the convenience of being able to download books without leaving home.

But I do still love books made of paper.

As part of a book arts class I am taking, we had a field trip National Archives Canada to look at, and handle, centuries-old leather bound books and manuscripts. The scripts were beautiful and the illustrations all hand-painted using natural materials. Covers were often embossed, sometimes with the initials of the book owner.

During our visit we pondered whether this is an art that will one day be lost.

But some books just don't lend themselves to e-book technology. My book club met recently with an author who has published a historical book that includes many old photographs and maps. When asked if the book would also be available for e-readers, she hesitated before stating that by including photos and maps, the book would just not work well on an e-reader.

Will this hurt sales? Perhaps. Perhaps not. My copy of her book is now on the shelves in my living room and can easily be picked up and read for years to come. We don't know format e-reader technology will be like in, say 50, years and if we'll be able to read today's formats.

Oh, one other benefit of paper: My copy of the book is autographed. Not sure how that would work with an e-book.