But should not an ‘ebook’ cost considerably less than the printed version? Really? No? Well, I ask this because around Christmas I toyed with getting a Kindle. However, Luke pointed out that it was an unnecessary expensive when I could have the Kindle app on my iPad. So, I bowed to pressure (always pays to take the line of least resistance where my husband is concerned) and I did indeed install the Kindle app on my iPad. I was very excited to discover that many of my favourite classics are free. I downloaded many. I also decided to buy some of the ones available in the Kindle sale. I was rapidly getting carried away with it all, when my excitement and enthusiasm was brought to an abrupt halt! Now, I love history, really love history and have many, many history books. So many in fact, that I am now prohibited from buying any more due to lack of space. I am not interested in historical ‘novels’, though these are cheap as chips. I read factual history books based upon a solid body of research and evidence. I decided therefore to go and check out some of my favourite historians to see what their bestselling works were going for. My first port of call was Barry Cunliffe, well known historian whose specialist field is the Celts. Imagine my consternation when I discover that his best selling work ‘The Celts’ published in 1997 is £10.99, and the paperback version (wait for it), £10.99. Another of his, ‘The Ancient Celts’, also published in 1997, Kindle version£11.63, paperback edition £12.92. I did some research and discovered pretty much the same situation for most of the history books that interested me. I am at a loss to understand how the publishers can justify this pricing policy when there are no printing costs or other related overheads? I appreciate that there is the royalty payment to the writer…but still!!! How is this mark-up justified? So, my Kindle experience thus far? Disappointing. ETA: Having said that, reading the books I have downloaded thus far is an enjoyable experience.
Read MoreLindfield Arts Festival 2011
The hugely popular Lindfield Arts Festival is in its 2nd year, and the festival organisers have received private and public funding to ensure that this event engages with the wide community of Sussex. This years Festival will take place on May 14th and 15th, with events throughout the village and participation and support from Sussex residents and local businesses. Last year’s inaugural Arts Festival enjoyed over 6000 visitors, and was a day to remember with an amazing range of fine, performing, literary and visual arts. This year will be no different. Lindfield Festival have great plans, and are delighted that so many artists have already registered to exhibit and perform again. There will be a preview night, with Peter James, local highly acclaimed author opening the event, a highly participative Festival Day with numerous workshops, performances and concerts all day and night long, engaging the whole community and building on the success of last year’s inaugural event. This year’s festival will feature a wide range of events, entertainment, fine art, crafts, foods and workshops.
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