grammar - where- and there- compounds


Are these lexical formations considered archaic or can they still be used without fear of appearing extravagant or even old-fashioned?


... the book in which I read that...
... the book wherein I read that...


Strictly in terms of stylistic clarity, which model is considered more efficient or even more beautiful? (Personally, I always prefer the latter to the former, but what do I know? I am not a native English speaker, though I am a pretty educated speaker of English).




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