Word: books
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Dates: during 1870-1879
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...reader to go with me to several rooms and examine the book-cases that we shall find there. The first room that we enter presents us with a small hanging book-case which displays nothing but a dreary waste of text-books. Such a collection can belong to either of two men, and to which, the books before us belong, can easily be decided by a glance at the rest of the furniture. If the pictures are racing prints and ballet-dancers, if a string of champagne corks adorns the chandelier, and a rifle occupies a conspicuous place...
...speedily leave this soulless being and enter a room in which the book-case shows us a row or two of text-books in admirable condition, and a shelf of nicely bound standard works, such as Shakspere, Milton, Macaulay, and so forth. The books all stand exactly upright, each one is in its proper place, and not a speck of dust can be seen on any of them. On seeing such a book-case in a room, I immediately look to see if my boots have left any mud on the carpet, I feel uncomfortable about my umbrella, and wish...
...another room, we find a handsome set of shelves of the "Eastlake pattern," filled with well-bound books. The whole affair adds a great deal to the general effect of the room. In fact, it harmonizes perfectly with everything else there. It is neither too large nor too small, too wide nor too high. The books are not too brightly gilt, nor are they too sombre. But this is the very thing that leads me to doubt. I cannot believe that, however sincere in construction the book-case may be, the owner's heart is in his books. I fear...
...would suggest, then, that those interested should circulate a petition for signatures, or else that a book be placed where all could sign their approbation or disapproval of the plan. And let the names be written out, since character as well as number will have its influence here...
...general culture of the community would be elevated by the presence of such a learned person. A knowledge of the subjects suggested is indeed valuable to a statesman, but unless one has genius, tact, and experience, - things that no college course can give, - he may have ever so much book learning and yet be but a sorry politician. Yet if more Harvard students should read the daily newspaper carefully, intelligently, and with a view to becoming acquainted with the events and the leading men of to-day, an increased interest in public affairs would result; and one means to retrieve...