Thanks to Gutenberg and Caxton, the printing of books has become widespread,
resulting in the production of numerous books each year. However, not all books
are created equal, and categorizing them can be a challenge. According to Bacon,
books can be divided into three categories: books to be tasted, books to be
swallowed, and books to be chewed and digested.
Books to be tasted only offer a momentary sensation upon reading them. They can
be novels, dramas, short stories, or newspaper articles. They provide only a
taste, and the reader doesn't necessarily seek to pursue or remember them.
Books to be swallowed are like medicine; one reads them for their practical use
and not for pleasure. Examples include blue books, treatises, law books, and
handbooks.
Books to be chewed and digested are the great classics, religious books, and
great poetry that never grow old or dim with age. They require time to be
savored and digested. They are universal and have influenced the thoughts and
lives of many generations.
All three categories of books have their place in a library and serve different
needs. Even a serious reader may enjoy a book just to be tasted while traveling.
Therefore, a discriminating reader can choose books according to their needs.
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