Our Belief in Books
In "Our Belief in Books," Agnes Repplier explores the dual nature of books as both enlightening and potentially misleading influences. She begins by acknowledging the historical reverence for books, citing Richard de Bury's praise of their silent, nonjudgmental instruction. However, she also highlights the historical fear of books' power, evidenced by their frequent censorship and destruction, such as during the reigns of King Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth. Repplier discusses the belief that books can profoundly change individuals, as illustrated by St. Augustine's conversion, but she questions the extent of this influence, suggesting that personal interaction and conversation often have a more significant impact on beliefs and behaviors. She critiques the tendency of authors and critics to overstate the importance of books, arguing that while books can reflect and articulate societal sentiments, they do not necessarily create or intensify them. Repplier concludes that while books are valuable for intellectual engagement, their influence is often overstated, and personal experiences and interactions play a more crucial role in shaping individuals.
By Agnes Repplier · First published 1921 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Non-fiction Essay, Cultural History · 4,587 words
First lines
What pleasantness of teaching there is in books, -- how easy, how secret! How safely we lay bare the poverty of human ignorance to books, without feeling any shame! They are masters who instruct us without rod or ferule, without angry words, without clothes or money. If you come to them, they are not asleep; if you ask and inquire of them, they do not withdraw themselves; they do not chide if you make mistakes; they do not laugh at you if you are ignorant. O books, who alone are liberal and free, who give to all who ask of you, and enfranchise all who serve you faithfully. -- RICHARD DE BURY, Bishop of Durham, A. D. 1459.
What this Textopian page supports
Our Belief in Books is listed on Textopian as a short story by Agnes Repplier, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Agnes Repplier
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Criticism, Non-fiction Essay, Cultural History, Social Commentary, Bibliophilic Literature
- Length: 4,587 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Our Belief in Books by Agnes Repplier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Our Belief in Books?
- How does this short story by Agnes Repplier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Literary Criticism — The work analyzes and evaluates the impact of books on individual thought and society, scrutinizing literary style and thematic depth.
- Non-fiction Essay — It is a reflective and analytical narrative that examines the nature and influence of books rather than presenting fictional stories.
- Cultural History — The text situates books within broader historical contexts by discussing censorship, societal attitudes, and the evolution of literary influence.
- Social Commentary — It critiques contemporary cultural norms and the perceived power of literature in shaping human behavior and societal values.
Tags
books · literature · reading · bibliophilia · cultural history · literary criticism · intellectual history · essays · book collecting · print culture · reading culture · humanities