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I doubt most paperbacks printed in the past 100 years will last that long, or can withstand repeated reading for a millennium. (I've replaced enough paperback children's books!)

FWIW: I prefer the backlight on a tablet to paper so much that I'll re-buy a book on Kindle even if I have the print copy.

childrens books and softcovers obviously excluded

> Some work for hundreds of years!

Yeah, but you don't really have access to them!

Why not? Obviously there aren't many titles, but I imagine most independent book sellers have at least some antique books, and you can always apply for a reader's pass to the local public museum or university library, which will be sure to have some. If you expand your definition of "book", there's also the public records office.

why not?

most libraries even mail them to you

Sure, but also, there's the convenience of getting a book electronically delivered to you in seconds; and the ability to carry hundreds of books with you as you travel.

Well, yes, that is true :)