The efficient book

The most technologically efficient machine that man has ever invented is the book.

Northrup Frye

Northrup Frye

One could argue against Northrup Frye's bold statement on at least a couple of points.

First, can a book be described as a machine? A definition of machine found on the web is: "an apparatus using or applying mechanical power and having several parts, each with a definite function and together performing a definite task." A book has several parts — a cover and numerous pages — each with a definite function and together performing a definite task. As for mechanical power, a person has to turn the pages, much as a person to turn the knob on a can opener. If a can opener is a machine, then perhaps a book is as well.

But if it's a machine, is it the most technologically efficient machine ever invented? Well, what about that can opener? Or a pair of scissors? Or a door on hinges?

Quibble as we may, Frye's central point seems true. The book has staying power. Despite all the alarm about ebooks and the Kindle and the Nook, most readers still seem to prefer books. Bookstores and publishers may be shrinking in number, but there is no sign of them disappearing altogether. The problem, instead, may be a shrinking number of readers.

Books take up space, as I well know with a storage unit full of them. They collect dust. They require organization. For these reasons, there have been campaigns to transfer books to actual machines, such as microfilm and computers. Yet new technology always seems to become obsolete before books do, and computers require electric power, never a sure thing in today's world.

The book, like the cockroach, is likely to survive just about anything.