Books and Bargains

While most college men develop a natural aversion to the books they read in courses, many a way ward savant has a goodly supply of the slightly worn texts of bygone courses. In a land of publishers' plenty a student might afford to be casual about books, but in Central Europe a volume of American history or literature is almost as rare as a meal of 2000 calories.

During the past week, PBH and Student Council collectors have been canvassing the College asking for books to send to European colleges and universities. But a number of books still sit on dusty shelves without the redeeming promise of future use either here or abroad. The easy going "I'll look around and see," "Wait until after generals," or "Central Europe is a lost cause anyway" characterize the comments from those who just do not want to bother to inventory their bookeases. Realizing that the 'Apathy' symphony has been played until undergraduate cardrums ache; collectors hesitate to point it out as the molasses in the machinery. They know the program is sound; achievement means work.

Although the net effect of their efforts admittedly will be small, it is a valuable step in the right direction. Any investment is sure and safe. The books will be received and distributed in Europe by persons associated with the University. All the undergraduate can lose is a book he may never read anyway. Central Europe stands to gain at least one student who knows a book's worth about the world or the West. The price is low.