What Is Reading For?

by Robert Bringhurst

“Reading could have a rich and interesting future, because it does have a rich and interesting past. But if no one remembers that past, it may not mean much to the future.”

This succinct and thoughtful essay is the text of a talk commissioned for a symposium entitled The Future of Reading which was held at RIT in June 2010. Written and designed by Robert Bringhurst, this limited edition is carefully crafted and letterpress printed. 450 copies, printed on Mohawk Ticonderoga paper.

Genres: Nonfiction, Design, Writing, History

40 pages, Softcover

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

Robert Bringhurst is a Canadian poet, typographer and author. He is the author of The Elements of Typographic Style – a reference book of typefaces, glyphs and the visual and geometric arrangement of type. He has also translated works of epic poetry from Haida mythology into English.

He lives on Quadra Island, near Campbell River, British Columbia (approximately 170 km northwest of Vancouver).

Reviews

[Lance Willett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hat tip, Andrew Spittle.

[J.S. Graustein · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mentor suggested I read this book while on a retreat. He said it would help rejuvenate my creative spirit and help me guide my press into its fifth year printing books and chapbooks. He wasn't wrong. Bringhurst's lecture-turned-artifact is a feast for the eyes, hands, and mind. I especially enjoyed his comparison of books to ecosystems and agriculture, having grown up in farming communities and being trained as an ecologist. I read this book quickly. I read it slowly. I read it and took notes. I now plan to read it every New Year between now and the end of my dance with the written word. Because it will take me years to figure out what kinds of words are best to plant, what kinds of words are best to harvest, and how to properly celebrate that harvest by making an object worthy of the name Book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully-crafted book with a beautiful message: books, reading, will always be with us, no matter what form. “Real reading and writing take place on the margins of empires,” Bringhurst writes. “That’s just how it is. You read the books, if you want to read them, however you can. And we do.” Layered with meaning and intent, not only in words but in its presentation, this treasure of a book, appeals to the fiber of who I am—reader, writer, designer, artist. If you are like-minded, you must have a copy of this book.

[Alyson Hagy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bringhurst is always thoughtful and learned. But this book is such a beautiful example of his devotion to language and design that it deserves 5 stars and more. The lecture is provocative. And it presents those of us on the cusp of an ebook world with some sharp questions. The book -- its papers, its type, its layout -- is so lovely it will make your heart ache.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened to read this book right after watching The Name of the Rose. Compared to the ornate hidebound tomes etched in golden ink locked up in a tower, I'd rather have my kindle tucked in my pocket everywhere I go. At the same time, I really need to get back my hard copy of Mrs. Dalloway peppered with glittery highlights...

[Eric Fredricksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good lecture turned into a pretty good book.