CHAOS BEFORE PREDICTABILITY

The first time the concept of an eReader was explained to me, I was cynical. I admit it. It was a brief for copy that would accompany the release of Sony’s version and all I could think was what’s wrong with a book?

Paper-like screen? So what? I have paper like paper. Take as many books as I like on holiday? It’s not like I go away for months at a time and I only take one on the train, which fits nicely in a jacket. But then I look at the news this morning and the British Museum has hit me with its rhythm stick.

It announced that it will be making 65,000 works of 19th century literature available on eBook – and for free. They’re all first editions and will come complete with original script and images. Among these gems will be the likes of Thomas Hardy and Charles Dickens, among some less reputable names.

So for the first time, I’ll be able to take these books home with me for keeps, to read, share and enjoy and it won’t cost me any more than a travel card. Now I can fill up an eReader without emptying my account.

Of course it won’t happen right away, as they haven’t yet released them, but at least we know it’s going to happen. And when it does you can be almost certain I’ll jump on the eReader wagon. And who knows, once I have one, maybe I’ll splash out on some fine online fiction (I probably will).

But if paper is what’s wanted, don’t worry. They claim these books – though I assume not all 65,000 – will appear on Amazon in actual book form, paper and all.