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/lit/ - Literature

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13173554 No.13173554 [Reply] [Original]

Should you read an introduction to a book?

>> No.13173559

Why would I want to read some guy talking about the book instead of just reading and finding out for myself?

>> No.13173565

>>13173554
Only if it's written by the author as an introduction

>> No.13173567

No.

>> No.13173570

>>13173554
Worth considering if it's written by the author, if it's written by someone else it's generally garbage.

also worth considering if it's translated since the translator often explains their choices or interesting things

>> No.13173577

>>13173554
Only after you've finished it, because most of the introductions contain many important spoilers about the story.

>> No.13173699
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13173699

>>13173577
>You're SUPPOSED to read the intro at the end!

>> No.13173705

>>13173565
>>13173570
Right answers.

Even with non-fiction books I avoid prefaces, because they often shape my approach to the book, which to me often acts like a blind spot, more than as a helping hand.

>> No.13173715
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13173715

>mfw half the introduction is just a general outline of the book
whats the fucking point? if i wanted an outline i'd just read the back of the book
why is everything so fucking shit now
why is everything in the west so fucking shit and disconnected
god give me strength to fucking not turn into uncle ted and bomb these publishing offices