epigraph for Mole, Delving

[truepenny]

I seem to be in an epigraphic mood this week. Thus:

Those who spend the greater part of their time in reading or writing books are, of course, apt to take rather particular notice of accumulations of books when they come across them. They will not pass a stall, a shop, or even a bedroom-shelf without reading some title, and if they find themselves in an unfamiliar library, no host need trouble himself further about their entertainment. The putting of dispersed sets of volumes together, or the turning right way up of those which the dusting housemaid has left in an apoplectic condition, appeals to them as one of the lesser Works of Mercy.

--M. R. James
"A Neighbour's Landmark"

Comments

[papersky.livejournal.com]

There was (probably still is) a very disorganised second hand bookshop in Swansea that I refused to let rysmiel go into for fear that he would become so absorbed in such Lesser Works of Mercy he'd not be seen again that weekend.

Also, neither of us can be trusted not to set series in order even in new bookstores -- "Just setting the Patrick O'Brian in order..." we say, shuffling books.

how very true

[diony.livejournal.com]

Says she who spent part of the afternoon of her birthday celebration alphabetizing the bookcases at the place it was being held.