The Size of Thoughts by Nicholson Baker

The Size of Thoughts

by Nicholson Baker

The Size of Thoughts, subtitled "Essays and Other Lumber" by the unpredictable Nicholson Baker, is a fascinating collection of essays including the superb and influential "Discards," first published in The New Yorker, on the folly of libraries dumping their paper catalogue cards when they computerize; the book is worth the price for this essay alone. It's rumoured that "Discards" caused the British Library to cancel plans to destroy its card catalogue. Among other essays I especially liked were "Changes of Mind" and "Reading Aloud". Hardcover US$25.00. Paperback US $13.00

M.A., 16 July 1997