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Long, classic novels in 2-3 volumes, no longer in print

From:     Remi
Category: Books
Date:     14 July 2007
Time:     04:38 AM

Review:

Like many frequenters of this cultural website, I have taken it upon myself to become more 
acquainted with the classics of literature. Being of humble student status, my sources come not from 
first-hand bookshops, but second-hand, charitable ones. Therefore, the editions that fall into my 
hands are generally from yesteryear, and it intrigues me that long novels, such as Karamazov, were 
published in two volumes, or even three for War & Peace. Yet, this custom no longer stands. I wonder 
why; has the publishing process improved somewhat over the last few decades? I don't detect any 
change in quality of paper or binding. Surely a paperback has more chance of withstanding the 
ravages of time, if it is not too pagey. I learn with interest that the bi/tri-volume approach is still 
practised on the Continent, where I shall make it my quest to track down 'Les Freres Karamazov, 
volume 1' and maybe even 'Guerra y Paz- 2 Volumenes', depending on how adventurous I am.


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