The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion

Some years ago I lost my copy of Anthony Trollope’s “The Last Chronicle of Barset” and I went to a bookstore to get a fresh copy. There were none on the shelves, but they eventually found me a copy. It cost about $ 15. A few months later I bought a Kindle and discovered that I could download the eBook version of this book for free.

There are voluntary, non-profit organisations that have uploaded 19th century and some early 20th century books into the internet that can be downloaded free. They are books in the public domain. You can even download free, audio versions of many of these books.

Though many might like to read off physical books, can they afford this luxury when eBooks are available for free? Hence, the demand for physical books that are in the public domain will diminish and it may become economically unfeasible for publishers to print these books.

Hence, the big question: will the classics soon go out of print?

Well apparently it might because some where down the line it is way cheaper to buy ebook of book than a actual copy. I guess maybe in near future hardcover classic might become a luxury hobby of those who can afford

I hope they don't I have beautiful copies of some classic books - many i got as Christmas presents others I bought myself. I have a kindle but you cannot beat the feel of a good book it is a real treat to dive into my beautiful editions. My library has also reinvested in new editions of old classics

I hope not. I have trouble reading ebooks because they tend to give me headaches if I read for more than a few minutes at a time. I much prefer having a print copy and read along with an audio version if there is one.

The classics for free on ebook are often riddled with typographical errors and poor formatting. I know that they are often made available for free due to the work of volunteers, so I don't want to complain too much ... but I don't think that the current offerings can replace well-edited and/or translated physical copies.

Lys wrote: "The classics for free on ebook are often riddled with typographical errors and poor formatting. I know that they are often made available for free due to the work of volunteers, so I don't want to ..."

I buy classics in good versions I always look at the translations I think they are worth the investment