They contain the treasured knowledge of the human race.

They are the record of all labours, achievements, speculations, successes, and failures, in science, philosophy, religion, and morals.

They have been the greatest motive powers in all times.

"From the Gospel to the Contrat Social," says De Bonald, "it is books that have made revolutions." Indeed, a great book is often a greater thing than a great battle.

Even works of fiction have occasionally exercised immense power on society.