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I came across the following on the Guardian book website this morning, and felt I had to comment.

Alphabetisation is the most banal approach to bookshelving going: who wants their living room to look like a lending library?

Sarah, I don't really see what is banal about alphabetising your books. Everyone should use whatever system suits them best and not have to worry about being publicly criticised for it. The only problem I can see with straight alphabetising is that if you own a mixture of paperbacks, hardcovers and books in various larger formats and shapes (like I do), it's not an economical use of shelf space. But banal? No, just practical.
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Dorte H said…
I think people who make fun of alphabetisation must be those who don´t own enough books.

I´d say it is useful - which is probably why all libraries do it.
July 22, 2009 1:12 pm
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