Books appear to be the most immediate instruments of speculative delight.

All the glory of the world would be buried in oblivion, unless God had provided mortals with the remedy of books.

Books alone are liberal and free they give to all who ask they emancipate all who serve them faithfully.

A library of wisdom, then, is more precious than all wealth, and all things that are desirable cannot be compared to it.

The library...of wisdom is more precious than all riches, and nothing that can be wished for is worthy to be compared with it. Whosoever therefore acknowledges himself to be a zealous follower of truth, of happiness, of wisdom, of science, or even of faith, must of necessity make himself a lover of books.