Dire predictions about the death of books and of publishing in this country with the advent of e-books and the amalgamation of big publishing houses have proved to be way off the mark. One of the standout publishers to have emerged is Wellington's BWB - Bridget Williams' Books - with its focus on New Zealand non-fiction and championing of the topical essay. Titles in their popular BWB text series include The New Zealand Project by Max Harris, Holly Walker's The Whole Intimate Mess, and Antibiotic Resistance by Dr Siouxsie Wiles. Their latest publications include The Expatriates by expat Martin Edmond, and Paul Gorman's take on the Canterbury Earthquakes - Portacom City.
The Government's books are continuing to deteriorate as the cost of the Christchurch earthquake is added to a rising operating deficit.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Christchurch earthquake. Lincoln University library books. Extensive damage to books. Roger Field, Vice Chancellor examines some of the damaged books".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Christchurch earthquake. Lincoln University library books. Extensive damage to books".
At the opening event for the Gap Filler bookfridge, one of the organisers registers donated books with Bookcrossing.com, while volunteers start filling the fridge with books.
At the opening event for the Gap Filler bookfridge, one of the organisers registers donated books with Bookcrossing.com, while volunteers start filling the fridge with books.
Books littering the floor from a fallen bookshelf.
Books from the library, organised into plastic bins.
Members of the public exchange books at the opening of the Think Differently Book Exchange. People were asked to bring along books that changed their life in some way.
Members of the public exchange books at the opening of the Think Differently Book Exchange. People were asked to bring along books that changed their life in some way.
People exchanging books at the Think Differently Book Exchange.
A photograph of fallen books in the James Hight Library.
A photograph of fallen books in the James Hight Library.
A photograph of fallen books in the James Hight Library.
A photograph of fallen books in the James Hight Library.
A photograph of fallen books in the James Hight Library.
Books in the "Think Differently" Gap Filler book exchange fridge.
A photograph of fallen books in the James Hight Library.
A photograph of fallen books in the James Hight Library.
A photograph of fallen books in the James Hight Library.
Books fallen off a bookcase in an office in the Registry Building.
Books fallen on the floor in an office in the Registry Building.
A photograph of fallen ceiling tiles and books in the James Hight Library.
A photograph of earthquake damage to Liberty Books at 145-147 Manchester Street.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 24 September 2012 entitled, "'Bandoned Books?".
A photograph of earthquake damage to Liberty Books at 145-147 Manchester Street.
The damage from the Christchurch earthquakes is now being felt in the government's books.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 17 July 2011 entitled, "Buzzing with Books".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 11 May 2011 entitled, "Back to Books".
A woman browsing the books in the Gap Filler bookfridge on its opening day.