For the last day of the book giveaway let’s talk about wildlife books.
A good book should be like a good television series – it should have length, breadth and depth. Take for example the series — Private Life of Plants; BBC gives it the length, the script writers and researchers give it the breadth, and David Attenborough’s narration gives it the depth it requires to become an excellent product.
Similarly, for a book to be complete, it should be in the right format, should have an appropriate scope, and should clearly express the author’s passion for the subject.
In the last three years, many books on Indian wildlife have found their way to stores. But not many have found their way to people’s homes. Why? It is extremely sad to see recently released books being made available in exhibitions at one-third the price.
Wildlife books are very difficult to make. They require thorough planning, strict discipline, a very good perspective, lots of time (according to me, at least three years) in the field and money that ensures the book sees the light of day. Therefore they are worth every penny they cost.
The only complaint i have against these books is their use of high grade paper. I understand that the printer needs to use good quality paper to do justice to the wonderful visuals that will help sell the book. Good grades of recycled paper are expensive and increase the cost of production manifold. To make eco-friendly books economical we must invent technology that makes good quality recycled paper cheaper to manufacture. This takes the burden off the trees and puts it on man. Leaving the trees to do what they do best – grow.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Well honestly I never read a book on wildlife except for some elementary school titles. The love for wildlife like love for every other things may happen at a particular phase in one’ life time and then the books, the movies, the shows keep coming.
So the criteria for selecting a good wildlife book maybe the content, the author, and yes price does counts. For me if its my favorite subject I won’t mind shelling out few hundreds. But if it runs into thousands i may reconsider other options.
My father had inculcated the reading habit in us from a very young age. And the books he used to pick up were on varied topics, right from well loved classics to nature and wildlife series. I must say the biggest draw of these books were the amazing pictures. As far as prices are concerned, I agree that such books are expensive and people hesitate to spend such money on books. But frankly, now that I have a son a well written book with lots of information is something i wouldn’t mind spending a couple of thousand on. I feel that books which reflect the topics being handled in school might find a better resonance with the Indian reader.
Interesting question. How much would I pay? It would depend on the content. I have more than just a passing interest in wildlife, so as far as buying something that will teach me, show me something new, I would pay at least 3000 rupees. But, it has to be well-written and well-packaged. It has to be comprehensive, or go into such depth for just one topic that the book is worth the read.
I don’t like to buy simple field guides without too much content on behaviour and unusual traits. I look for good visuals, good editing, good packaging and well-written content. I realise that these books take a lot of money and time to make. And effort too. If one is willing to pay a lot of limited edition designer wear, I think some books are like that too. limited edition, designer read. I would pay.
Shweta has won herself a book!
Congratulations. A book will be shipped to you at the end of the week.