Books are the most mannerly of companions, accessible at all times, in all moods, frankly declaring the author's mind, without offense.
That is a good book which is opened with expectation, and closed with delight and profit.
One must be rich in thought and character to owe nothing to books, though preparation is necessary to profitable reading; and the less reading is better than more;--book-struck men are of all readers least wise, however knowing or learned.
Of books in our time the variety is so voluminous, and they follow so fast from the press, that one must be a swift reader to acquaint himself even with their titles, and wise to discern what are worth reading.
