Quote by Washington Irving, The SketchBoo
The great British Library -- one of these sequestered pools of obsolete literature to which modern authors repair, and draw buckets full of classic lore, or pure English, undefiled wherewith to swell their own scanty rills of thought.
Summary
This quote suggests that modern authors often turn to places like the British Library, filled with outdated literature, to gather inspiration and knowledge. They metaphorically "draw buckets full of classic lore" or "pure English, undefiled" to enrich their own limited ideas. This implies that old texts serve as a valuable resource for writers to tap into the intellectual wealth of the past in order to enhance their contemporary writings. By borrowing from the past, these authors aim to expand their own creativity and produce more substantial literary works.
Topics
Libraries
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