An ordinary man can surround himself with two thousand books and thenceforward have at least one place in the world in which it is possible to be happy.
About Augustine Birrell
Augustine Birrell KCwas a British Liberal Party politician, who was Chief Secretary for Ireland from 1907 to 1916. In this post, he was praised for enabling tenant farmers to own their property, and for extending university education for Catholics, but was criticised for failing to take action against the rebels before the Easter Rising, leading to his subsequent resignation.
More quotes from Augustine Birrell
A conventional good read is usually a bad read, a relaxing bath in what we know already. A true good read is surely an act of innovative creation in which we, the readers, become conspirators.
British politician (1850-1933)
History is the great dust-heap… a pageant and not a philosophy.
British politician (1850-1933)
Given Pounds and five years, and an ordinary man can in the ordinary course, without any undue haste or putting any pressure upon his taste, surround himself with books, all in his own language, and thence forward have at least one place in the world.
British politician (1850-1933)
That great dust-heap called ‘history’.
British politician (1850-1933)
Friendship is a word, the very sight of which in print makes the heart warm.
British politician (1850-1933)
Libraries are not made, they grow.
British politician (1850-1933)
An ordinary man can surround himself with two thousand books and thenceforward have at least one place in the world in which it is possible to be happy.
British politician (1850-1933)