On Books and the Housing of Them By: William E. Gladstone (1809-1898)
On Books and the Housing of Them by William E. Gladstone is a captivating and thought-provoking read that delves into the importance of books and the proper methods of preserving and organizing them. Throughout the book, Gladstone draws from his vast knowledge and personal experience as a bibliophile to highlight the significance of books in shaping our intellectual, cultural, and personal development. One of the most striking aspects of this book is the author's evident passion for books and his profound understanding of their transformative power. Gladstone eloquently argues that books are not mere objects, but rather, vessels of knowledge, ideas, and imagination. He emphasizes the need for society to prioritize the preservation and dissemination of the written word, as it is through books that we gain access to the accumulated wisdom of humanity. Furthermore, Gladstone delves deeply into the topic of housing books, providing readers with invaluable insights into the best practices for organizing and storing personal collections. His suggestions range from identifying the optimal conditions for book preservation to recommending various shelving systems and cataloging methods. This practical perspective adds a useful dimension to the book, as both book lovers and librarians can benefit from his expertise. Another commendable aspect of Gladstone's work is his ability to seamlessly weave together historical anecdotes and literary references to support his arguments. He effortlessly connects the presence of books throughout time to the progress of civilization, demonstrating how they have consistently played a pivotal role in shaping our world. This historical approach not only enriches the narrative but also reinforces the author's main assertions about the enduring value of books. Despite the book's publication over a century ago, its relevance remains strikingly intact. Gladstone's profound observations on the importance of physical books in an increasingly digital age make this work even more significant today. His reminders about the sensory experience of reading and the emotional connection we develop with physical books serve as a gentle nudge to reflect on the rapid changes that technology has brought to our literary landscape. In conclusion, On Books and the Housing of Them is an enlightening and inspiring work that celebrates the transformative power of books, while providing invaluable guidance on how to preserve, organize, and appreciate them. William E. Gladstone's eloquent prose, combined with his deep knowledge and passion for books, make this book a must-read for bibliophiles and intellectuals alike. It serves as a reminder of the pivotal role books have played in human history and why they continue to be an essential part of our lives. First Page: ON BOOKS AND THE HOUSING OF THEM By William Ewart Gladstone (1809 1898) In the old age of his intellect (which at this point seemed to taste a little of decrepitude), Strauss declared [1] that the doctrine of immortality has recently lost the assistance of a passable argument, inasmuch as it has been discovered that the stars are inhabited; for where, he asks, could room now be found for such a multitude of souls? Again, in view of the current estimates of prospective population for this earth, some people have begun to entertain alarm for the probable condition of England (if not Great Britain) when she gets (say) seventy millions that are allotted to her against six or eight hundred millions for the United States. We have heard in some systems of the pressure of population upon food; but the idea of any pressure from any quarter upon space is hardly yet familiar. Still, I suppose that many a reader must have been struck with the naive simplicity of the hyperbole of St. John, [2] perhaps a solitary unit of its kind in the New Testament: "the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." A book, even Audubon (I believe the biggest known), is smaller than a man; but, in relation to space, I entertain more proximate apprehension of pressure upon available space from the book population than from the numbers of mankind... Continue reading book >>

On Books and the Housing of Them By: William E. Gladstone (1809-1898)

On Books and the Housing of Them by William E. Gladstone is a captivating and thought-provoking read that delves into the importance of books and the proper methods of preserving and organizing them. Throughout the book, Gladstone draws from his vast knowledge and personal experience as a bibliophile to highlight the significance of books in shaping our intellectual, cultural, and personal development.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is the author's evident passion for books and his profound understanding of their transformative power. Gladstone eloquently argues that books are not mere objects, but rather, vessels of knowledge, ideas, and imagination. He emphasizes the need for society to prioritize the preservation and dissemination of the written word, as it is through books that we gain access to the accumulated wisdom of humanity.

Furthermore, Gladstone delves deeply into the topic of housing books, providing readers with invaluable insights into the best practices for organizing and storing personal collections. His suggestions range from identifying the optimal conditions for book preservation to recommending various shelving systems and cataloging methods. This practical perspective adds a useful dimension to the book, as both book lovers and librarians can benefit from his expertise.

Another commendable aspect of Gladstone's work is his ability to seamlessly weave together historical anecdotes and literary references to support his arguments. He effortlessly connects the presence of books throughout time to the progress of civilization, demonstrating how they have consistently played a pivotal role in shaping our world. This historical approach not only enriches the narrative but also reinforces the author's main assertions about the enduring value of books.

Despite the book's publication over a century ago, its relevance remains strikingly intact. Gladstone's profound observations on the importance of physical books in an increasingly digital age make this work even more significant today. His reminders about the sensory experience of reading and the emotional connection we develop with physical books serve as a gentle nudge to reflect on the rapid changes that technology has brought to our literary landscape.

In conclusion, On Books and the Housing of Them is an enlightening and inspiring work that celebrates the transformative power of books, while providing invaluable guidance on how to preserve, organize, and appreciate them. William E. Gladstone's eloquent prose, combined with his deep knowledge and passion for books, make this book a must-read for bibliophiles and intellectuals alike. It serves as a reminder of the pivotal role books have played in human history and why they continue to be an essential part of our lives.

First Page:

ON BOOKS AND THE HOUSING OF THEM

By William Ewart Gladstone (1809 1898)

In the old age of his intellect (which at this point seemed to taste a little of decrepitude), Strauss declared [1] that the doctrine of immortality has recently lost the assistance of a passable argument, inasmuch as it has been discovered that the stars are inhabited; for where, he asks, could room now be found for such a multitude of souls? Again, in view of the current estimates of prospective population for this earth, some people have begun to entertain alarm for the probable condition of England (if not Great Britain) when she gets (say) seventy millions that are allotted to her against six or eight hundred millions for the United States. We have heard in some systems of the pressure of population upon food; but the idea of any pressure from any quarter upon space is hardly yet familiar. Still, I suppose that many a reader must have been struck with the naive simplicity of the hyperbole of St. John, [2] perhaps a solitary unit of its kind in the New Testament: "the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written."

A book, even Audubon (I believe the biggest known), is smaller than a man; but, in relation to space, I entertain more proximate apprehension of pressure upon available space from the book population than from the numbers of mankind... Continue reading book >>

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