The Library of Useless Knowledge, Časť 1

Predný obal
William Pickering, 1837 - 52 strán (strany)
"The full title pokes fun at a well-known series called 'The Library of Useful Knowledge', promoted by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge (active 1826-1846). Composed primarily of wealthy, reform-minded gentlemen, the SDUK sought to make esoteric science and math related subject matter accessible to the middle and working classes through cheaply-printed (and therefore affordable) material. The Society saw some early success in sales and persuaded important thinkers like David Brewster and Augustus De Morgan to write for the publication. But the progressive aims of the SDUK were not without their detractors, and many considered the Society a radical and dangerous operation, inspiring the lower classes to aim above their social order. Given the choice of title, Clarke's work certainly contains political undercurrents; however, the tone remains light, being first and foremost a work of humor, at times bordering on absurdity. Several contemporary references to the text make it clear that although it was admired for its wit, the book was notoriously difficult to understand. The poet Edward Fitzgerald called it 'the most untranslatable book in the world' (Life and letters, p.137), while the review in 'The Gentleman's Magazine' recommended it specifically 'to the attention of the country clergy, who will find it a charming relaxation from their severer studies' (1838, vol. 9, p. 295)."--Antiquarian bookseller's description, 2014.
 

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Strana 26 - O et praesidium et dulce decus meum, Sunt quos curriculo pulverem Olympicum Collegisse juvat, metaque fervidis Evitata rotis, palmaque nobilis. Terrarum dominos evehit ad Deos, Hunc si mobilium turba Quiritium Certat tergeminis tollere honoribus ; Illum si proprio condidit horreo Quidquid de Libycis verritur areis.
Strana 13 - ... and then is the proposition said to be TRUE or TRUTH : for, truth, and a true proposition, is all one. Or else the latter appellation comprehendeth not the former; as in this proposition, every man is just, the name of just comprehendeth not every man ; for unjust is the name of the far greater...
Strana 27 - ALnesidemus was this: it is the recollection of opinions embraced upon the testimony of the senses, or upon any other evidence, by means of which one dogma is compared with another, and all, upon the comparison, are found to be useless and full of confusion.
Strana 1 - The Commissioners of the Poor Laws will understand me, when I say, that I was born at Putney, in Surrey.
Strana 13 - Veniet tempus, quo ista quae nunc latent, in lucem dies extrahat, et longioris aevi diligentia. — Veniet tempus, quo posteri nostri tarn aperta nos nescisse mirentur — Multa saeculis tune futuris cum memoria nostri exoleverit, reservantur.
Strana 33 - de quibus ignoras tace/' be a maxim of profound wisdom : " de quibus certus es loquere opportune " is an injunction of perhaps equal value.
Strana 50 - Ye men of England ! I LIVE ! Yes — the "Old Blue Baby!

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