MorkTheFiddle
As you know, I have an immense and sincere respect for you and your language learning skills. But your mention of what you bought triggered some thoughts that may or may not be of interest. I think you are owed an answer.
1-I am 80 years old and love French literature.
2-Since I will be moving to a retirement community in a couple of years, I am forced to go through a “disposal phase” of life. I can’t take it all with me…..
3-My joy in buying my French books (all used) is that I have not had to pay out that much and will not have to worry about them finding another home after my passing. I mark them up very considerably so they will not be of value to anyone else.
4-So my joy really is in the process of reading the books and all that I can learn. That joy really is not influenced by the quality of the binding. Don’t get me wrong, I have worked in book stores for many years and
Love books, especially the beautifully bound ones. But at this point I am focused on the reading of the book itself.
5-Please forgive this long winded explanation, but knowing you as I do, I feel you are owed an explanation of my actions as regards the purchase of my Proust books.
So many great French books.......so little time.
6-Thanks as always for your great guidance.