Quote by William Dean Howells
The mortality of all inanimate things is terrible to me, but that of books most of all.
Summary
The quote expresses a deep concern and sadness about the mortality or finite lifespan of inanimate objects, with books in particular occupying a significant place as the most distressing for the speaker. It highlights the emotional attachment or sentimental value that books hold for the speaker, implying that their transient nature evokes a sense of dread and dismay. The quote suggests that the impermanence of books, which can be easily damaged or destroyed, fills the speaker with a profound apprehension and sorrow compared to other inanimate objects.