THE BOOK-LOVER.

THE BOOK-LOVER.

A Guide to the Best Reading.

BY

JAMES BALDWIN, Ph.D.,

AUTHOR OF “ENGLISH LITERATURE AND LITERARY CRITICISM”,ETC., ETC.

Whosoever acknowledges himself to be a zealous follower of truth,of happiness, of wisdom, of science, or even of the faith, must ofnecessity make himself a Lover of Books.

Richard de Bury.

CHICAGO:
JANSEN, McCLURG, AND COMPANY.
1885.

Copyright,
By Jansen, McClurg, & Co.
A. D. 1884.

v

A Fore Word.

The titlepage of this book explains its planand purpose. The Courses of Readingand the Schemes for Practical Study, hereinindicated, are the outgrowth of the Author’slong experience as a lover of books and directorof reading. They have been tested and foundto be all that is claimed for them. As to thelarge number of quotations in the first partof the book, they are given in the belief that“in a multitude of counsels there is wisdom.”And the Author finds consolation and encouragementin the following words of Emerson:“We are as much informed of a writer’s geniusby what he selects, as by what he originates.We read the quotation with his eyes, and finda new and fervent sense.” As the value ofthe most useful inventions depends upon theviingenious placing of their parts, so the originalityof this work may be found to lie chieflyin its arrangement. Yet the writer confidentlybelieves that his readers will enjoy that whichhe has borrowed, and possibly find aid andencouragement in that which he claims as hisown; and therefore this book is sent out withthe hope that book-lovers will find in it a safeGuide to the Best Reading.

vii

CONTENTS.