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Books For Zooming
As you’ve probably noticed, during these But as far as I am concerned, any real book
COVID times many people are video confer- person seeing arrangements of books like
encing on their computers from their homes, suggested above would instantly know by
even on TV shows. And one thing that you see comparison with their own jam-packed book-
of interest is what they have on their walls behind shelves was artificial and phony because real
them. Sometimes framed photos, posters, or book lover’s shelves are normally packed to
school diplomas, but most often there are overflowing with books, so much so that the
bookshelves with books. And sometimes you real danger would not be lack of symmetry or
can’t help wondering if these were really on the an artful composition, but that the weight of
wall before these times or hastily assembled all the books might actually bring down the
with books they never read to make them look shelves and maybe even the wall which
smart. It’s hard to tell sometimes. would potentially be dangerous if it happened
But there is some evidence that proposition anytime but also most embarrassing if it
#2 can often be the case. I subscribe to The Week (not Jim) happened during a Zoom, Skype or FaceTime
news magazine which, if you are not familiar video conference call.
with it, is a great source for news and com- In fact, a true book lover might choose
mentary on U.S. and International media. not to have any books on their wall
That is not so unusual except that instead behind their computer just for those very
of telling you what to think, it gives both reasons. Also, I suspect that with a true
sides of an issue and then lets you make up booklover, their books would be such an
your mind. Its motto is “all you need to important part of their life that it would
know about everything that matters.” never occur to them to use artificial
Anyway, I saw a short article in the arrangements of them to impress people.
Aug. 14, 2020 issue titled “Making a
bookshelf Zoomworthy” to look nice for And now, from the email bag:
video conferencing. Hi –
The tips were to: I have quite a few volumes of National
Add color, which even before you Geographic magazines, a couple of
put anything on the shelves, it advised hundred. They date back to 1988 as near
you to choose interesting wallpaper or a as I can tell without going through them.
cheery paint color for the wall to accent I do see one that has the title “One
the room. Hundredth Issue.”
Now the books: when you’ve got your A young man who rented a house from
wall of shelves, “create loose symmetry” me collected them and left them when he
on each shelf by placing books horizon- moved out.
tally and vertically and by even leaving a I would be glad to bring them to you
quarter of the shelf empty by pushing the so that you could take a look and see what
books to one side on some shelves. you think. I hate the thought of throwing
Accessorize: using heavyweight items them away.
for interesting bookends. Use vases or I live nearby – G.J.
figurines in one color or two colors that
compliment each other. Remember, you Dear G.J.,
are creating “an abstract composition” so Sorry, but although National
“step back every so often to access the Geographic is a wonderful magazine your
overall balance of your arrangement.” back issues have little or no value because
Add layers: if you have deep shelves they’re so common.
you can add framed photos in front of the Actually, in years past I had shelves of
books. Also, don’t forget you can hang up back issues going back to the early 1900s
some art, too.” and did well with them. But, at least in
The Week gives their source for this as BHG.com my experience, demand for them in recent
Of course, not one word about what the actual titles of the books might years has dropped off to near zero. I am not sure why. I guess, for one
be, including possible genres to avoid like trashy magazines or perhaps thing, no one seems to have room for them anymore, and they are heavy
romance novels or books whose titles look smart but that obviously no one and take up lots of room.Thanks – Jim D.
reads. Or just random handfuls of books.
I was surprised that nothing was said about the colors of the books
James Dawson has owned and operated the Unicorn Bookshop in Trappe, MD since
themselves as different colors might suit different owners’ or viewers’ 1975, when he decided it would be more fun to buy and sell old books and maps than to
tastes. For example, more subdued colors like the more traditional; browns get a “real” job. For this born collector, having a shop just might be another excuse to buy
might be better suited for the walls of doctors’ offices rather than bright, more books. He has about 30,000 second hand and rare books on the shelves, and just
about all subjects are represented. Reach him at P.O. Box 154; Trappe, MD 21673;
racy colors. 410-476-3838; unicornbookshopMD@gmail.com; www.unicornbookshop.com
42 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
