“Publishers are rapidly developing new types of reading material specifically targeted at the market.. A book that is not designed to educate or enlighten, but to entertain.” (Andrew Pettegree and Arthur Der Weduwen, in The Library: A Fragile History, p. 13)
After visiting the tomb of Sunan Ampel in Surabaya, I had planned to visit several bookstores near the tomb. This time, I wasn't... ‘'Deja Vu'’ because in 2007, it was the first time I set foot on the tomb of Sunan Ampel.
I don't know why I was so enthusiastic, so my group and I study tour KMI Al-Ikhlas students arrived at Ampel's grave at around 8:00 a.m. Just as the shopkeeper and shop owner were... hectic (busy) preparing his merchandise.
I entered through the tomb gate. After the bus parked at the terminal directly across the road from the entrance to Sunan Ampel's tomb, the morning bustle was still very much alive. Vendors were busy with their fast-paced morning routines.
Antique souvenirs, beautifully patterned clothing, prayer beads, from tiny beads to the size of a monk's necklace, adorn the paths leading to the tomb. The atmosphere is very religious. It reminds me of the past, my first visit.
Price haggling ensued, sometimes ending happily. However, in other corners, sellers and bidders were adamant about not agreeing. Some even offered to wrap up the offer. And I observed various types of bidding, with both sides giving in when the bidder asked. discount.
There was no coercion, just mutual respect for the integrity of both sellers and buyers. Before I knew it, the clock struck 8:30. I hurried to the bookstore, navigating the crowded maze of alleyways. I arrived just as the shopkeeper was preparing to open the gates of knowledge.
Even though many shops are still not fully open, the longing is overflowing. The scent of paper and books wafts into your nostrils. It feels like... Karma Will. In Dewi Lestari's language, I read the bookstore signs lining the sturdy walls. They offer Arabic Turost books, reference books from scholars, and various other promotional materials.
I entered several bookstores with enthusiasm. My uniform—sarong, white baju koko, and gray cap—confirmed me as a humble Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) member. A brief dialogue was inevitable. Bargaining ensued.
“"Where are you from, Mr. Yai? Please come in and browse the books inside," greeted the bookstore clerk, whom I suspected to be of Arab descent. "I'm from Sumbawa, Taliwang to be precise. I'm looking for a translation of Imam al-Ghazali's work, Ustadz," I replied politely.
“Sumbawa, Lombok, yes, Mr. Yai. Masha Allah "From a faraway place. I hope you find the book you're looking for," the shopkeeper replied lowly. I then combed the corners and read the titles of the books lined up in stacks. After reading and looking around the shop, I excused myself and walked to the shop next door.
Similar greetings and dialogues ensued. I wandered around the bookstore for about an hour and a half. However, I still hadn't found the book I was looking for. With the intention of returning someday, I realized I hadn't found the book I was looking for. It was because not all the store's outlets were open that morning.
“"Sir, what time does the bookstore here usually open?" I asked. nosy'’ to the perfume seller. "Usually after 9, sir," she replied curtly. I was momentarily stunned. I just realized that the visit to the store was too soon.
Even though I'd been walking around for over an hour, waiting for another store to open, I had to get back to the bus with a heavy heart because it was already 10:00. schedule My next visit was to Galaxi Mall Surabaya. I hurriedly left the bookstore near Sunan Ampel's tomb and headed to the bus terminal.
Hunting for Books at Gramedia Mall
After arriving at Galaxi Mall, at entrance door, I immediately asked the mall employee, "What floor is Gramedia on, miss?" I asked enthusiastically. "Go straight to the third floor, sir," the female employee replied, gesturing with her thumb. "Thank you, miss." I immediately headed to the third floor.
Without wasting any time, I rushed towards the row of shelves. Best Seller And New Arrival. Best-selling books and newly published titles. After reading, select and sort through several titles displayed on the book covers.
My gaze focused on a book with the title “The Library: A Fascinating Exploration of Library History from the Ancient World to the Digital Age” by Andrew Pettegree and Arthur Der Weduwen. This book was translated into Indonesian from its original title The Library: A Fragile History.
This book made me quite curious, and at the same time challenged me to dissect its contents which I predicted. relate with the manuscript of the book that I will publish. the taste, feeling I joked 'this is the book I've been hunting for'.
To fulfill the completeness of the preparation of the book manuscript that I will publish, for me it is a book with a background Library has the potential to support semi-research academic manuscript literature. Apart from being a primary source, books with background It is hoped that the bibliography will provide important information on segments that could become gaps in writing.
After the transaction deal–deal-an I decided to have the book. I spent quite a while looking around, reading the title, reading synopsis, track the author's name, monitor the price. After considering the benefits of the book library I paid the cashier for it. The price was quite reasonable for the 587-page book.
After paying cash, I came down from the 3rd floor and rushed to find a quiet corner to open the seal and start reading. It didn't take long to fall in love with this book. On the opening page, I found a 'key quote' from this book. It reads as follows:;
“The technological revolution and the printing industry of the 19th century greatly expanded the range of reading materials available to beginning readers. Publishers quickly developed new genres specifically targeted at this newly literate market. A book that is not designed to educate or enlighten, but to entertain.”
A kind of surge of realization struck me after reading the sentence above. It seemed to address the current reality in the writing and printing industry. These days, new writers write more to entertain than to educate and educate!
Therefore, at this time, works may be mushrooming, but we have to decide to Dare to choose quality and meaningful reading material. Dare to choose intelligent and educational reading material. Dare to choose reading that makes you think a little, not just to entertain and cheer up the reader.
Upon closer examination, the target of post-19th-century publishers has indeed shifted from earlier plays and roles. Books written in earlier centuries are brimming with knowledge that, although somewhat complicated, can be difficult for readers to grasp. This is because they refer to a broad field of knowledge that must be explained in a coherent and sequential manner.
At that time, the author, using all his knowledge, explained a theory and findings based on experience and observation, both empirical and non-empirical. The work was more informative and presented new theories in the epistemology of science.
From this perspective, the technological revolution comes as a response to change. The quality or content of a published book is no longer important. What matters is how the reader is entertained by their reading. The quality of the book is not so important. urgent (urgent. An early sign of a decline in orientation in the world of science.
Especially in the world of writing and publishing. In the beginning, publishing produced books with scientific references with an orientation to educate, educate, understand, make readers literate, knowledgeable and knowledgeable.
After that period, the publishing industry focused solely on entertainment for readers and authors, rarely on scholarly content that would educate readers. This impact continues even today, leaving readers completely immersed in light, yet far from enlightening, reading material.
Whereas, Reading is not just for entertainment, but aims to educate the mind and increase knowledge!
And Allah knows best
