On Books by Charles Kingsley (1853)

Name: On Books
Author: Charles Kingsley

The work explores the profound significance of words and books, emphasizing their divine origin and transformative power. It begins with a reflection on the biblical concept of the "Word" as central to understanding humanity's relationship with God. The author argues that the ability to speak and think in words distinguishes humans from other creatures, attributing this gift to Christ, the Word of God. Books are portrayed as vital conduits of knowledge, bridging generations and allowing the thoughts of the past to influence the present. The text warns against the dangers of false and wicked literature, likening harmful books to evil spirits that can corrupt the mind and soul. It advocates for a discerning approach to reading, urging individuals to seek out good and true writings that align with divine principles. The author highlights the importance of a free press, recognizing it as a blessing that allows for the dissemination of truth, while also acknowledging the risks of allowing falsehoods to proliferate. Ultimately, the work calls for reverence towards both the Bible and all books, encouraging readers to evaluate literature through the lens of faith and to uphold the teachings of Christ. It stresses the responsibility of individuals to choose wisely what they read, as this choice shapes their understanding and moral compass.

By Charles Kingsley · First published 1853 · Genre: Non-fiction, Essay, Literary criticism · 3,198 words

First lines

JOHN, i. 1. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. "

I DO not pretend to be able to explain this text to you, for no man can comprehend it but He of whom it speaks, Jesus Christ, the Word of God. But I can, by God's grace, put before you some of the awful and glorious truths of which it gives us a sight, and may Christ direct you, who is _the_ Word, and grant me words to bring the matter home to you, so as to make some of you, at least, ask yourselves the golden question, ‘If this is true, what must we _do_ to be saved?'

What this Textopian page supports

On Books is listed on Textopian as a speech by Charles Kingsley, dated 1853 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Speech
Author: Charles Kingsley
Date: 1853 CE
Language: English
Genres: Non-fiction, Essay, Literary criticism, Biography/Autobiography
Length: 3,198 words
Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for On Books by Charles Kingsley
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Discussion starters

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How does this speech by Charles Kingsley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Non-fiction — Given the title 'On Books' and Charles Kingsley's scholarly reputation, this likely falls under non-fiction.
Essay — The book is probably a collection of opinions and thoughts on varied books, making it fall under the genre of an essay.
Literary criticism — If the book contains analysis and critique of different works, it may be considered literary criticism.
Biography/Autobiography — If it consists of personal experiences and thoughts about books, it might qualify as a type of biography or autobiography.