Page:The small library. A guide to the collection and care of books (IA smalllibraryguid00browiala).pdf/18

 trade journal and a dash of frivolity from the 'Pink 'Un'. But he makes no attempt to equip himself with books which would be of real value to him in the conduct of his business. He does not even acquire the elementary handbooks on the law of his trade, nor has he any particular interest in the books which chronicle its history. Instead of utilizing his commanding position as an associate of all kinds of men, and keeping himself to some extent acquainted with some of their hobbies, easily to be derived from certain useful books, he fritters away his time, money, and energy in cultivating the sportsman, the loafer, and the flash dandy, with never a thought to the influence he might exert if his mind were better furnished with the knowledge to be gained from books. In this respect he resembles hundreds of tradesmen, shopkeepers, and clerks, who do not even take the trouble to make themselves acquainted with the literature bearing on their trades. What is the library of the average suburban home? A Bible, some unbound illustrated magazines, and, as a concession to literary culture, a few yellow-back novels, generally of the sensational or tittle-tattle order. In many cases which have come under observation the clerk dwelling in Suburbia, or anywhere else, does not take the trouble to furnish himself with a manual of book-keeping or business method which would undoubtedly increase his range of knowledge and fit him for a better position, nor does it even occur to him to expend a few shillings on a book which might enable him to cul-