Orwell states that the essay was triggered by the experience of an editor friend who was firewatching during the Second World War. He was told by factory workers that they had no interest in literature because they could not afford books.

The essay first appeared in Tribune on February 8, 1946.

Argument edit

Orwell questions the idea that buying or reading a book is an expensive hobby. Working out that he had 442 books in his flat and an equivalent number elsewhere, he allocates a range of prices, depending on whether the books were bought new, given, provided for review purposes, borrowed or loaned. Averaging the cost over his lifetime, and adding other incidental reading costs, he estimates his annual expenditure at 25.

In contrast, Orwell works out that before the war he was spending 20 a year on beer and tobacco and that he currently spends 40 per year on tobacco. He works out the national average spent on beer and tobacco to be 40 a year. Noting that it is difficult to establish a relationship between the price of different types of books and the value derived from them, Orwell works out that if books are read simply recreationally, the cost per hour is less than the cost of a cinema seat. Therefore, reading is one of the cheapest recreations.

Excerpts edit

And if our book consumption remains as low as it has been, at least let us admit that it is because reading is a less exciting pastime than going to the dogs, the pictures or the pub, and not because books, whether bought or borrowed, are too expensive.

Reactions edit

Orwell’s essays in Tribune, including this, have been described in The Independent as some of the greatest essays in the English language. 1 The question Orwell raised continues to provide a basis for discussion, as in a review of a poll in which one in four Americans read no books at all in 2007 2 and that chief executives claim that they have no time to read literature. 3

The essay was the subject of an article in Structo magazine which published ‘Books v. Cigarettes 63 years on’ in their November 2009 edition.

See also edit

  • Aliteracy
  • Bibliography of George Orwell

References edit

New york city will now regulate electronic cigarettes the same as tobacco

Tobacco packaging warning messages – wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MORE DON’T MISS

  • Taylor made! Swift steps out in a well put together vintage outfit for a day of shopping in New York Stunning in floral dress
  • She’s in a spot o’bovver! Luisa Bradshaw White sports a gashed head as she films EastEnders To star in a lesbian kiss scene with Sonia Fowler
  • Party time is over! The Block’s golden boy Scott Cam reports for duty on building site after Logie win Took away the top award on Sunday night
  • Read all about it! Jennifer Lawrence hides behind a newspaper as she heads to Paris with beau Nicholas Hoult
  • FIRST LOOK Lucy Mecklenburgh shows off her six pack in new sportswear campaign Italian sportswear brand ellesse has teamed up with former TOWIE star
  • ‘I feel sick’ Jackie Gilles storms out of Real Housewives of Melbourne reunion while Gina Liano and Andrea Moss’s showdown turns ugly
  • Daddy’s little baller! Josh Duhamel’s eight month old son Axl proves he’s the cutest L.A. Dodgers fan ever in branded bib Baby boy in blue
  • ‘I didn’t think I’d get caught!’ Dean McDermott reveals why he cheated on Tori Spelling… as he admits to ‘doing lines’
  • ‘I was bullied’ Porsha Williams says she felt ‘threatened’ by Real Housewives co star Kenya Moore following her arrest for assault Released on bail
  • Baby Becks in the making! Proud David Beckham presents son Cruz, nine, with a football trophy after his team win under 9s cup final
  • ‘My boobs are huge and my arms flabtastic’ Five months pregnant Savannah Guthrie, 42, picks apart her flaws in 360 degree mirror Body beautiful
  • Where does she find the time! Jennifer Garner to produce mystery drama about ‘immortal families’ for Bravo
  • No booze, no bread and no botox! Barbara Hershey reveals her secrets to looking incredible at 66 Looks 20 years younger
  • Tori Spelling looks slender while out with Dean McDermott as it’s revealed ‘cameras rolled inside hospital where she was treated for ulcer and migraines’
  • Megan Fox goes make up free and displays her impressive post baby body in grey leggings three months after giving birth With husband in LA
  • Tamra Barney ‘posts angry Facebook message accusing ex husband Simon of harming their kids but then deletes it’ Bitter custody battle
  • He’s back! James Franco to make cameo in Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes during flashback scene But didn’t his character die?
  • Heavily pregnant Jenelle Evans reveals badly sunburnt belly during family day at the beach She is heading into her eighth month
  • EXCLUSIVE ‘I’m extremely happy Amal’s a lovely girl’ George Clooney’s mother Nina confirms surprise engagement Expressed her delight
  • ‘Introducing our new little man!’ Bachelor star Melissa Rycroft bonds with newborn son in heartwarming portrait The 31 year old shared the heartwarming snap
  • Tamzin Outhwaite granted ‘quickie’ divorce from Tom Ellis in just under two minutes… after he admits to adultery Married eight years
  • If you’ve got Ecclestone continues to flaunt her post baby body as she slips into a leg baring LBD Gave birth to first child a month ago
  • Amanda Bynes pictured for first time behind the wheel after getting her driver’s licence back… following suspension for hit and run and DUI
  • Green thumbs and purple hair Nicole Richie opens up about her passion for gardening as she strikes a pose in her LA backyard Unlikely pastime
  • Emma Watson swaps preppy for edgy as she sports on trend leather trousers for day out with her rugby player boyfriend Matthew Janney
  • Girl on fire! TOWIE’s Ferne McCann heats things up as she sports flame print bikini on sunshine break The 23 year old showed off her slim figure
  • Georgia May Jagger’s friends Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse rally around her following the death of her stepmother L’Wren Scott
  • Bearded Alex Pettyfer steps out in lumberjack outfit as he is still yet to be confirmed for Magic Mike 2 Wild and woolly
  • Imogen Thomas shows off her bikini body after losing a dress size as she indulges in some beach gymnastics Kept up her workout regime on holiday
  • Worlds apart Robin Thicke lives it up in New Orleans while estranged wife Paula Patton looks downcast in Vancouver as they lead increasingly separate lives
  • ‘Your children love you!’ Casey Kasem’s daughter Kerri organizes a ‘birthday vigil’ as the ailing legend turns 82 in hospital A radio legend
  • A tale of two sisters Kris Jenner’s estranged sibling Karen is worlds away from Beverly Hills as she shops for trinkets in ill fitting maxi dress
  • Hundreds of One Direction fans crushed and 47 injured after frantic surge to the stage during Peru concert Band pleaded with fans
  • Not ready to Kiss and makeup Kylie Jenner hides face as she rocks vintage T shirt… while it’s revealed ‘she wants nothing to do with Selena Gomez’
  • Rihanna’s ex bodyguard files defamation lawsuit against singer as he claims she made ‘nauseatingly offensive’ statements
  • An emotional rollercoaster! Models scream, smile and scowl for the camera as photographer captures the power of human expressions
  • Still a Brit girl at heart Cher Lloyd and her husband Craig Monk co ordinate with laid back rocky looks as they head to Topshop in LA
  • Diddy’s disappearing act Music mogul went AWOL partying for seven day straight on first trip to Ibiza… and missed recording session with Madonna producer
  • PICTURED Kym Marsh kissing and holding hands with heartbroken Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring’s ex Dan Hooper… as Corrie star denies relationship
  • Not quite a wrap! Kate Beckinsale wears pale grey coat cinched in at the waist while filming more scenes for Absolutely Anything Stars with Simon Pegg
  • Hair raising performance! Today Show reporter Richard Wilkins’ spiky ‘do trends on Twitter… and even gets its own account Centre of attention
  • It’s a dog’s life! Sienna Miller looks laid back as she and fiance Tom Sturridge take 21 month old daughter Marlowe and their dogs for a stroll
  • ‘It’s just heartbreaking’ Beyonce says there’s too much pressure on women to be beautiful in behind the scenes video for Pretty Hurts
  • Lionel Richie, 64, looks pleased with himself as he enjoys dinner date with much younger, cleavage baring girlfriend Looked half his age
  • Anything But Ordinary! Avril Lavigne goes bra less and make up free for shopping trip with husband Chad Kroeger Went back to basics
  • The Queen gives great fashion advice! Kate’s tour wardrobe triumphs as she is named most stylish British icon while Kate Moss trails in eighth place
  • Thigh ly impressive! Daisy Lowe works a rockabilly look as she wears spray on jeans and leather jacket while running errands Figure of a 1950s pin up
  • ‘I don’t want to be the new Rihanna. I’m just a singer songwriter’ Britain’s richest woman launches pop career on Richard Madeley’s radio show
  • Beyonce and Jay Z wear matching balaclavas in new poster announcing their summer tour On The Run Joining forces
  • Hip Hop world mourns the loss of It Takes Two star DJ E Z Rock after he is found dead at 46 The producer, real name Rodney Bryce, passed away on Sunday
  • SEBASTIAN SHAKESPEARE Poppy keeps the peace with Sienna and mum The trio caught up for lunch at Picadilly
  • Already dating! Singer Kesha is spotted kissing a bearded mystery man during flea market stop only seven weeks after leaving rehab for eating disorder treatment
  • ‘When I play a real person I like to have bits of them’ Tom Hardy reveals he wears Elton John’s clothes in preparation for new biopic
  • Pregnant Kate Silverton, 43, is glamorous and glowing as she arrives with daughter Clemency to discuss SECOND miracle baby
  • ‘She left me because I’m bankrupt’ Tila Tequila’s baby daddy Thomas Paxton Whitaker reveals ‘she’s already dumped him’
  • Taking the plunge Kate Hudson wears daring low cut sequined jumpsuit to celebrate birthday with fianc Matt Bellamy Celebrating her 35th
  • Mariah Carey sheds her baby weight on the ‘purple diet’ New foodie fad encourages dieters eat only lilac produce but is it really a healthy way to lose pounds?
  • Lovely bubbly! Chrissy Teigen poses naked in bathtub as she reveals the ‘craziest place’ she and John Legend have had sex In Cosmopolitan
  • The MANE attraction! Gordon Ramsay sparks new hair transplant rumours with questionable hairstyle at Victoria Beckham’s 40th birthday meal in Mayfair
  • Meet Natasha Archer, the PA turned royal dresser who helped the Duchess of Cambridge transform from girl next door to stylish princess
  • Victoria’s Secret Angel Hilary Rhoda shares naked snap of her mottled back after becoming latest celebrity to try out cupping
  • Kendall Jenner flashes her toned midriff in crop top amid rumours she is shooting Calvin Klein ad with Justin Bieber Both fit in Calvins
  • Taking the lead Doting David Beckham wraps his blazer around wife Victoria as they leave her 40th birthday party together Married 14 years
  • Girls just wanna have fun! Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse lark about in the street as they emerge from breakfast with Georgia May Jagger
  • That’s one way to keep mum Billie Faiers covers up baby bump with her designer bag as she meets sister Sam at their boutique Expecting her first child
  • ‘It’s like buying a Ferrari and keeping it in the garage!’ Good Morning Britain viewers complain Susanna Reid is stuck behind a desk… But later moved to sofa
  • Tiddly Spice Girls stumble out of Victoria Beckham’s 40th birthday at 2am… and single guy Chris Martin joins in the fun too Partied in London
  • Splashing out! Tom Daley and boyfriend Dustin Lance Black enjoy romantic evening together Partied at the Chinawhite nightclub in London
  • Anna Wintour, Alexandra Shulman and Twiggy join fashion’s finest at memorial service for former Vogue editor Beatrix Miller
  • Simon Cowell cradles little Eric while leaving upscale restaurant as he enjoys quality time with son The 54 year old proving to be a hands on dad
  • Kara Tointon highlights her slim frame with voluminous locks and retro minidress as she presents at BAFTA Television Awards Spot of retro glamour
  • She’s getting into the Hollywood spirit! EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer turns heads in elegant black dress at the BAFTA Television Craft Awards
  • Wetting appetites! US singer Ashanti makes a splash by sharing poolside pictures of her impressive bikini body Ashanti is known for her slim but curvy physique
  • The couple that pray together, stay together Vanessa Hudgens wears floaty frock as she heads to church with boyfriend Austin Butler
  • Solange Knowles ‘Beyonce’s work ethic is absolutely insane and the way she balances her career with motherhood is so inspiring’
  • From stately to static home! Prince Charles gets a warm welcome as he tours caravan park Spent a sunny couple of hours in Aberdeenshire
  • I Will Never Let You Down Rita Ora says she’s smitten with boyfriend Calvin Harris as she wears two very different looks for TV appearance in New York
  • ‘I’ve got to not blame anyone else’ Chris Martin reveals how his own personal issues contributed to the breakup with his wife Gwyneth Paltrow
  • Strictly Come Dancing star Aliona Vilani ties the knot to sales director in private wedding ceremony on Caribbean island St Thomas Beach wedding
  • Showing it off! Pregnant Mila Kunis flashes her belly in flimsy top as she cosies up to Ashton Kutcher at Stagecoach Enjoying country tunes
  • ‘No one could deserve this’ Liam Payne is overcome with emotion at sight of thousands of fans as One Direction’s world tour kicks off In Lima, Peru
  • Katy Perry delights in cherry blossom print dress as she poses with Neil Patrick Harris after his Broadway show Stars in Hedwig And The Angry Inch
  • How ‘London’s hottest barrister’ is about to become the new Mrs Clooney The rise and rise of Lebanese born lawyer set to marry the eligible bachelor
  • Pregnant Jacqui Ainsley shows off her gravity defying bump in a little black lace dress at Victoria Beckham’s 40th birthday dinner with fianc Guy Ritchie
  • ‘It’s unapologetically sexy with a dash of naughtiness’ Giles Deacon’s lingerie range for Ann Summers with bra straps that double up as handcuffs!
  • Hermes for my little homme! Melissa George dresses her new born in designer booties Seems it’s important to look your best no matter what age
  • ‘No bulls t’ Dan Hooper shares raunchy photo of him kissing Kym Marsh on Twitter after… she denied their relationship Worth a 1000 words…
  • ‘My wedding day will be the biggest of my non competitive life!’ Olympian Chemmy Alcott talks nuptials as she poses with fianc Dougie Crawford
  • At her lowest weight! Jessica Simpson celebrates even leaner frame in sheer top and skinny jeans while out for dinner… after losing 50 pounds this year
  • Giving the finger! Rihanna wears giant rubber hand to cheer on Nets as she bares midriff in army print crop top and skirt Loyal fan
  • ‘And the birthday bash continues!’ Joanna Krupa returns to Miami as she keeps the party going by celebrating turning 35 with husband Romain Zago
  • Ed Sheeran My big night out with Shane Warne how Australians are more debaucherous than Brits and why Sydney Entertainment Centre is my best venue
  • Smiling through the pain Danica McKellar shows off her broken rib and support brace as she gets back to DWTS rehearsals following devastating injury
  • Pick me! Idina Menzel says she would ‘absolutely’ play Elsa in Broadway’s Frozen but she ‘doesn’t look good blonde’
  • Better LACE than never! Sophia Bush cuts a stylish figure in provocative dress with matching kinky boots Recently posed for a men’s magazine
  • Khloe Kardashian looks sexy in leopard dress for dinner date with beau French Montana… but brings BFF Malika Haqq along as third wheel
  • Nicole Scherzinger slips into monochrome jacket and figure hugging pencil skirt as she dines out with
    girlfriends     At hotspot, Craig’s
  • Hopelessly devoted to Grease! Fox orders three hour LIVE version of the hit 1970s high school musical to air in 2015 It better shape up