Subject
Books and reading Books
Best books
Young Ewing Allison
The Delicious Vice
"The Delicious Vice" by Young Ewing Allison is a reflective novel written in the early 20th century. This work serves as both a celebration and critique of novel-reading, exploring the thoughts and experiences of habitual readers as they navigate their emotional landscapes linked to literature. The narrative delves into the deep connections between the reader and the vast array of characters and stories that have filled the reader's life, touching upon themes of nostalgia, regret, and the desire for new beginnings with familiar tales. The opening of the book establishes a profoundly introspective tone, as the author muses on the bittersweet nature of reflecting on a life filled with novels. The protagonist grapples with a sense of melancholy, particularly recalling the joy of reading beloved novels for the first time and the impossibility of reliving those experiences. This rhapsody extends to notable literary figures and the notion of the "novel-reader," whom the author distinguishes and idolizes throughout. The writing oscillates between whimsical reminiscence and earnest literary critique, setting the stage for a rich exploration of the impact of reading on identity and emotional experience.
Frank Parsons
The World's Best Books : A Key to the Treasures of Literature
"The World's Best Books: A Key to the Treasures of Literature" by Frank Parsons is a comprehensive literary guide written in the late 19th century. This work serves to identify and categorize significant literary works and authors, providing insights into the importance of reading quality literature while offering systematic methods for doing so. The book is meant to be a practical handbook for various readers, including students, teachers, and anyone interested in improving their literary appreciation. The opening of the book presents an overview of its objectives, emphasizing the importance of selecting the best literature for personal development and intellectual fulfillment. It outlines the five primary purposes of the book, including highlighting the benefits of excellent literature, guiding readers on effective reading methods, and establishing a foundational understanding of major literary works across different cultures and time periods. Additionally, the text encourages thoughtful selection and ownership of books as essential components of personal education and character formation.
James Baldwin
The Book-lover: A Guide to the Best Reading
"The Book-lover: A Guide to the Best Reading" by James Baldwin is a guidebook on literature and reading written in the late 19th century. This work serves as a comprehensive approach to the art of reading, focusing on the selection of meaningful literature and the importance of cultivating a love for good books. Baldwin draws from various literary sources to illustrate his points, aiming to inspire readers to enrich their intellectual lives through thoughtful reading choices. The beginning of the book introduces the author’s philosophy on the value and significance of books. It emphasizes that books are not merely static objects but living entities that serve as companions and mentors throughout one's life. Baldwin urges readers to make deliberate choices in their reading, advocating for the need to avoid poor literature and to seek out texts that nourish the mind and spirit. In this opening portion, Baldwin highlights the role of a scholar in making discerning choices and setting a foundation for a rich intellectual life through careful selection of reading material. He sets the stage for deeper discussions on how to read effectively and how libraries can serve as crucial resources for a scholar's development.
George H. (George Herman) Ellwanger
The story of my house
"The Story of My House" by George H. Ellwanger is a reflective and descriptive piece written in the late 19th century. The work examines themes related to home, comfort, and the ideal domestic environment, providing a personal perspective on the significance of a house beyond mere structure, emphasizing its role in creating a nourishing and harmonious living space. The narrative draws from both the author's thoughts and references to various literary and philosophical influences as he explores the essence of an ideal home. At the start of the narrative, the author sets a contemplative tone, expressing his thoughts on the nature of a home and what constitutes the "perfect house." He introduces various elements that contribute to a house's character, emphasizing how a home should reflect individual tastes and preferences rather than conforming to architectural expectations. The opening portion presents a broad meditation on the challenges of building a perfect dwelling, touching upon the interplay between aesthetics, function, and the relationship to nature. Ellwanger's prose is rich with imagery that paints a picture of his surroundings, blending observations of nature's beauty with insights into the home-making process and its inherent complexities.
Samuel McChord Crothers
The Gentle Reader
"The Gentle Reader" by Samuel McChord Crothers is a reflective essay written in the early 20th century. This work explores the relationship between authors and readers, emphasizing the importance of a leisurely, thoughtful engagement with literature. Crothers discusses the decline of the "Gentle Reader," a figure characterized by appreciation for the nuances of literary discourse, as the modern world shifts toward quicker, more transactional forms of reading. The opening of the text introduces the concept of the Gentleman Reader through a conversation about literary styles, invoking the spirit of Don Quixote to highlight the sometimes whimsical, yet profound nature of engaging with a text. Crothers reflects on the historical context where authors would engage directly with their readers, sharing personal thoughts and inviting discourse. The author laments the shift towards a more efficiency-driven approach to reading, arguing for a return to the days when literature served as a comforting companion, rather than merely a source of information. This sets up the premise for further explorations into topics like poetry, humor, and philosophy as integral parts of the reading experience.
George Hamlin Fitch
Comfort Found in Good Old Books
"Comfort Found in Good Old Books" by George Hamlin Fitch is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a heartfelt exploration of classic literature, providing insights into how these timeless works provide comfort and solace during times of grief and personal turmoil. Fitch emphasizes the significant impact of reading, particularly the classics, and shares his personal reflections on various revered texts and authors. The opening of the work presents Fitch's profound sense of grief following the sudden death of his only son. He expresses how literature has been a source of solace and clarity amid his sorrow, illustrating the deep bond he shared with his son through their mutual love of books. Fitch recounts cherished memories of their time spent together and argues for the importance of cultivating a reading habit not only for enjoyment but as a refuge from life's hardships. Through his poignant reminiscences, he lays the foundation for discussing the great works of literature that have nurtured his spirit and invites readers to find their own comfort in these "good old books."
R. Sturgis (Robert Sturgis) Ingersoll
Open That Door!
"Open That Door!" by Robert Sturgis Ingersoll is a philosophical and motivational work written in the early 20th century. The book explores the barriers individuals often face in life and encourages readers to embrace literature as a means to break free from these constraints. It presents a heartfelt argument for the transformative power of reading and the importance of maintaining a child-like sense of wonder throughout one’s life. At the start of the book, Ingersoll reflects on the egotism inherent in authorship and the universal desire for more from life, asserting that everyone wishes to enjoy the fullness of existence. He likens the struggles of adulthood to walls that impede our view of life’s possibilities, suggesting that to overcome these obstacles, one must embrace literature as a key to unlocking new understandings and experiences. He emphasizes the importance of seeing the world through the eyes of a child, advocating for a return to a state of vibrant curiosity and engagement with life, thus setting the stage for a deeper exploration of how literature can enrich our lives.
John Albert Macy
A child's guide to reading
"A child's guide to reading" by John Albert Macy is a literary guide and reading manual written in the early 20th century. Aimed at helping young readers (and those who guide them) move beyond ephemeral “juveniles” to the enduring riches of literature, it explains why and how to read, champions fiction, poetry, history, and essays, and offers practical lists and examples to steer taste toward the greats without being rigid or priggish. The opening of the work compares a good literary guide to a seasoned Maine woods guide: helpful but never a substitute for the reader’s own effort, judgment, and joy in discovery. It rejects fixed “Hundred Best Books” lists, praises the dictionary, and shows how chance encounters (Mill finding Wordsworth) can shape a life, while cautioning readers to choose books that awaken their best selves. It then argues for reading as contact with the best minds—countering “book-learning” skeptics with vivid examples (Lincoln with Shakespeare, Grant with Scott and Cooper, Napoleon’s omnivorous reading, Franklin’s formative authors)—and urges attentive, sometimes re-read, even memorized engagement. Finally it begins its long section on fiction: defending the novel (with Jane Austen’s wit), explaining plot, character, description, and style through Thackeray’s Henry Esmond, stressing the moral responsibility of storytellers (via Trollope), dissolving the romance vs. realism quarrel with examples from Scott, Dickens, and others, warning against inauthentic dialogue and flabby description, and offering calm, practical advice on choosing novels (and short stories) before launching into a substantial, varied reading list.
James Hosmer Penniman
Books and how to make the most of them
"Books and How to Make the Most of Them" by James Hosmer Penniman is a guidebook on utilizing literature effectively, written in the early 20th century. This book explores the art of reading, what to read, and how to engage with books to enrich one's life. It emphasizes the transformative power of reading and the need for thoughtful selection in literature. The book is organized into several chapters, each focusing on different aspects of reading and books. Penniman articulates the miracle of books as vessels of knowledge that span time and space, emphasizing that reading cultivates the mind and enriches life. He provides practical advice on how to approach reading with purpose, how to classify books, and the importance of owning and caring for your books for personal growth. Furthermore, he discusses distinct categories of literature—such as poetry, biography, history, and fiction—highlighting their diverse impacts on readers. Overall, the text serves as both a celebration of literature and a practical manual aimed at helping readers become more discerning and effective in their reading habits.
Adrian H. (Adrian Hoffman) Joline
At the library table
"At the Library Table" by Adrian H. Joline is a collection of essays and reflections written in the early 20th century. The text explores the author's passion for books, libraries, and literary figures, capturing the subtleties and nuances of a bibliophile's existence. Through his keen observations, Joline reflects on the nature of book ownership, the significance of autographs, and the relationships that readers develop with their books and authors. At the start of the book, the author introduces his musings while sitting at the library table, reflecting on the nature of book ownership and the culture surrounding books in society. He questions whether most people truly engage with their libraries, or if they simply enjoy the aesthetic and prestige of book possession. Joline discusses various perceptions of readers and their interests, from the average man’s indifference towards less popular literature to the fervent pursuit of autographs by collectors. This opening sets the stage for deeper explorations of literary life and personal anecdotes that provide a humorous and insightful critique of bookish culture.
Sherwin Cody
The art of writing & speaking the English language : $b How to read and what to read
"The art of writing & speaking the English language : How to read and what to…." by Sherwin Cody is a guidebook on reading and literature written in the early 20th century. It aims to help the average reader choose, enjoy, and judge “the best” books efficiently, emphasizing pleasure, usefulness, and clear standards. The volume explains what makes poetry, essays, and novels good, and offers selective, practical recommendations (including how to approach Shakespeare) rather than long lists. The opening of the book states its purpose: to guide busy, non-scholarly readers toward interesting, inspiring works and away from dutiful but lifeless “classics,” proposing three tests for literature—beauty, truth, and nobility—plus a balanced view of amusement as true recreation. It illustrates poetry’s aims through close readings (Tennyson for pure beauty, Shelley for beauty with thought, Longfellow for moral uplift, Browning for intellectual courage, Wordsworth for the union of all three). It defines the essay’s appeal—rhythmical prose, suggestive imagery, and especially humour as a health-giving corrective—showcased by a lively Lamb letter; then traces the novel from epic and stage to the modern, conversational “tavern tale,” laying out what makes a good novelist (sincerity, friend-like tone, characters proved by action) and comparing major figures (Shakespeare, Balzac, Thackeray, Dickens, Scott). A concise timeline of “landmarks” maps the Romantic and Realist movements in Britain and key American contributions (Irving, Poe, Longfellow, Hawthorne, etc.). Practical how-to sections follow: a method for reading poetry (start with a few beloved pieces; Longfellow as an entry, then Tennyson and Browning; selective lists across poets) and an accessible plan for studying Shakespeare (see performances when possible, then read selected plays—Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Lear, Othello, Macbeth, key comedies and histories—and the sonnets). The final lines begin a survey of great essayists (Bacon, Addison, Swift), signaling the next phase of the guide.
Gerald Stanley Lee
The Lost Art of Reading
"The Lost Art of Reading" by Gerald Stanley Lee is a reflective essay written in the early 20th century. The work explores the profound disconnect between modern civilization and the true nature and purpose of reading. Lee laments how contemporary society's hurried lifestyle impedes individuals from engaging deeply with literature and understanding its transformative power. At the start of the book, the author introduces a dialogue illustrating the rush of modern life, where individuals passively engage with superficial aspects of existence, such as reading hurriedly without truly absorbing the material. Lee critiques this "reading madness," which leads to a pervasive sense of disconnection from one’s inner self and the world. He discusses the limitations imposed by civilization on genuine thought and engagement, emphasizing the necessity for individuals to reclaim a thoughtful, soul-nourishing approach to reading that encourages contemplation rather than mere consumption. The opening sets the stage for a broader critique of educational and societal norms that stifle imagination and self-discovery.
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