Subject
Quotations, English Books
Best books
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Specimens of the Table Talk of Samuel Taylor Coleridge
"Specimens of the Table Talk of Samuel Taylor Coleridge" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a collection of conversations and reflections drawn from the intellectual life of the renowned poet and philosopher, written during the early 19th century. The work compiles insights from his dialogues, showcasing his thoughts on literature, philosophy, politics, and religion, emphasizing the depth and richness of Coleridge's intellect as he interacted with various subjects and individuals. At the start of this collection, we find an engaging preface that outlines the origins of the notes and reflections included. The compiler expresses gratitude to Coleridge and offers reflections on his unique conversational style, which combined profound insights and intricate reasoning often delivered in a meandering manner. The preface also sets the tone by discussing the potential limitations of capturing Coleridge’s expansive thought processes on paper. Additionally, the initial excerpts present Coleridge's views on literary figures and themes, including his analysis of Shakespeare, while hinting at his broader philosophical considerations spanning morality and human understanding. This opening showcases not only Coleridge’s intellectual prowess but also a glimpse into the stimulating environment he created through his discourse.
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Handy Dictionary of Poetical Quotations
"Handy Dictionary of Poetical Quotations" by George W. Powers is a collection of poetical quotations compiled in the early 20th century. This reference work aims to provide readers with a well-rounded selection of verses from prominent English poets, along with notable Continental authors, giving special attention to modern poetry that may resonate with contemporary readers. Its purpose is to illustrate various human sentiments and experiences through familiar and perhaps lesser-known lines of poetry. The opening of the dictionary presents a preface outlining the compiler's intent and methodology. Powers emphasizes the importance of both timeless and contemporary poetic expressions, acknowledging that while established poets like Shakespeare dominate the collection, new voices and ideas are also featured. The compilation includes carefully selected excerpts organized by topics, with a robust index that aids readers in finding quotations that match their interests or sentiments. This thoughtful approach encourages engagement with the beauty of language and the depth of human emotion found within poetry.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Anima Poetæ
"Anima Poetæ" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a collection of unpublished notes and reflections written in the early 19th century. This work serves as a compilation of Coleridge's thoughts, insights, and personal musings drawn from his extensive note-taking throughout his life as a poet and philosopher. The book aims to share the intimate and often fragmented nature of his internal dialogues, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of one of the most significant figures in English literature. At the start of the collection, Coleridge reflects on the importance of his notebooks as confidants that preserve his ideas and emotions. The beginning showcases diverse themes, including love, duty, the nature of poetry, and insights about childhood and perception. His prose is poetic and philosophical, weaving together observations that are at once personal and universal. The opening sets the tone for a work that explores profound questions, revealing Coleridge's yearning to understand and articulate the complexities of human experience.
Oakland Fabiola hospital association
Thoughts: Selected from the writings of favorite authors
"Thoughts: Selected from the Writings of Favorite Authors" by the Ladies of Fabiola Hospital Association is a collection of inspirational excerpts likely curated during the early 20th century. This compilation brings together a medley of philosophical insights, encouraging readers to cultivate positive thoughts and embrace a life filled with purpose, compassion, and kindness. The book appears to emphasize the power of thought in shaping one's world and the importance of character in achieving a fulfilling life. The opening of this work introduces a selection of quotes and reflections from various esteemed authors, all focused on the uplifting themes of happiness, duty, love, and the pursuit of personal growth. It emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive mindset, drawing upon the wisdom of thinkers like Emerson, Longfellow, and Shakespeare, among others. The section underscores that our thoughts create our experiences, suggesting that cultivating pleasant and noble thoughts can lead to a richer, more meaningful existence. This opening establishes the tone for a book dedicated to motivating readers toward a higher state of being and the care of others.
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Quips and Quiddities: A Quintessence of Quirks, Quaint, Quizzical, and Quotable
"Quips and Quiddities: A Quintessence of Quirks, Quaint, Quizzical, and Quotable" by W. Davenport Adams is a collection of literary excerpts and humorous observations, likely written in the late 19th century. This compilation serves as a delightful amalgamation of witty sayings, puns, epigrams, and amusing anecdotes drawn from various sources, aiming to entertain readers during their leisure moments. The wide-ranging content allows readers to explore an eclectic mix of prose and verse, presenting a playful approach to language and wit. The opening of the volume introduces the reader to the editor's intent, emphasizing the collection's focus on brevity and variety in its selections. The preface outlines the arrangement and creative structure of the anthology, noting that the pieces are not presented in any particular order and are characterized by their fragmentary nature. This allows for a lighthearted reading experience, where the reader can easily dip in and out of the humor and wit encapsulated within, confirming that the assembled 'quips' and 'quiddities' are meant to amuse rather than convey a continuous narrative.
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The Optimist's Good Morning
"The Optimist's Good Morning" by Florence Hobart Perin is a compiled collection of daily devotional readings and prayers written in the early 20th century. This work aims to provide spiritual encouragement and reflections for busy men and women, helping them begin each day with optimism and a connection to a higher purpose. The selections include quotes and prayers from various authors, promoting themes of hope, gratitude, and inner peace. The opening of this devotional begins with a preface that outlines the rationale behind its creation—addressing the modern struggle to maintain spiritual practices amid busy lives. Perin expresses the importance of daily reflection and prayer, particularly at the breakfast table, to foster a sense of spiritual connection and optimism as one starts their day. The first entries for January highlight a variety of uplifting sentiments and prayers, suggesting that maintaining a positive outlook and drawing strength from one’s faith can significantly impact one's daily life and interactions.
Edward Bysshe
The Art of English Poetry (1708)
"The Art of English Poetry" by Edward Bysshe is a comprehensive guide to English prosody, written in the early 18th century. This work serves as a handbook for aspiring poets, outlining rules for constructing English verse, providing a rhyming dictionary, and compiling an anthology of significant poetic thoughts from established English authors. The book emphasizes the structure of heroic poetry and aims to refine the techniques and expressions related to English verse composition. The beginning of "The Art of English Poetry" introduces the intent of the work, explaining its purpose as not just a collection of rules for writing poetry but also as a resource for skillfully choosing words and phrases. Bysshe underscores the importance of strong sense, propriety, and elevated thought in poetic expression, warning against superficial attempts to write verses. He outlines the three main components of the handbook—rules for making verses, a rhyming dictionary, and an alphabetical collection of noble thoughts—setting the stage for an exploration of English poetic practices grounded in the traditions of its predecessors, while aspiring to elevate the craft for serious poets.
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Oracles from the Poets: A Fanciful Diversion for the Drawing Room
"Oracles from the Poets: A Fanciful Diversion for the Drawing Room" by Caroline Gilman is a collection of poetic fortune-telling questions and answers, likely written in the mid-19th century. This unique work captures a whimsical approach to literature where playfulness meets classical poetry, inviting readers into an exploration of human feelings and experiences through the lens of various renowned poets. The opening of the book provides insight into the author's motivation for creating this whimsical collection, stemming from her memories of childhood games involving fortune-telling. Gilman reflects on her own experiences and emphasizes how the selection of poetic excerpts will allow readers to engage with the oracles in a spirited manner, akin to drawing from a magical well of wisdom. She sets the tone for the book, explaining the intended use of these oracles for entertainment and social interaction, promising an enriching experience through its elegantly woven questions about character, love, and destiny.
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What great men have said about women
"What Great Men Have Said About Women" by Marcet Haldeman-Julius is a collection of quotations reflecting various men's perspectives on women, compiled during the early 20th century. This work presents the thoughts of notable figures, including poets, playwrights, and philosophers, offering a lens into the changing views on womanhood, beauty, virtue, and intelligence from a historical context. The likely topic revolves around the admiration, critique, and complexities of women's roles as perceived by great men of literature and philosophy. The book draws on a wide range of excerpts that emphasize the many attributes and roles of women as seen through the eyes of influential male figures in literary history. Through quotes from Shakespeare, Byron, Milton, and other notable voices, it captures the essence of women's societal expectations and inherent qualities, while also revealing the multifaceted nature of female identity. The quotes explore themes of love, beauty, intellect, and the moral responsibilities attributed to women, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives that contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context surrounding women's lives and their relationships with men.
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