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..... As I go through my bloated library deciding which books to keep
into my retirement, that is one on the short list of "keepers". I can't
help noticing what is special about those "keepers". They are books which
stand out from the crowd because the author had a personal viewpoint,
special expertise, clarity of style, ability to explain, and refused to
write a book which was merely a clone of the others. I've noticed that the
"keepers" are often books which never saw a second edition, because in the
opinion of the publisher they "didn't make it" in the marketplace. The
ones which do well in the market-place, like Hewett, I happily give away
or trash.
And what of the others? What to do with them? Some go to the library, but
even libraries are selective, and already have the standard books. Some
libraries refuse to acquire textbooks. I can understand that. Such a tiny
fraction of them have lasting value, and their cost is outrageous. Some
books I have given away to students, but most students these days don't
want a textbook even if it is free. They don't read even the ones they are
required to buy. I notice that *even those who plan to be high school
teachers* aren't interested in building a library of their own. It's
discouraging. ....