Reading in Reykjavík

Guide books of all kinds are generally seen as more or less disposable goods, since they contain a lot of ephemeral information, e.g. about moveable holidays , moveable events, one-time happenings, and about shops, nightclubs, eateries and accommodation that might be gone (or plunged from good to terrible) before the book was even published. However, guide books can be valid for a lot longer if you look at them in a different light. Much of the information doesn‘t really expire as quickly as all that, and unless something wipes out a landmark or two, that particular information can stay valid for many years. Still, there is something sad about an outdated guidebook, bought for too much money (they are EXPENSIVE), briefly used with often a small portion of the book actually consulted, and now wanted by no-one - that is right up to the point where it becomes vintage, and then it is suddenly quaint, with its strangely coloured, grainy photographs of ancient cars and people wearing fun...