Of gifts, there seems none more becoming to offer a friend than a beautiful book.

Conversation is an abandonment to ideas, a surrender to persons.

My favorite books have a personality and complexion as distinctly drawn as if the author's portrait were framed into the paragraphs and smiled upon me as I read his illustrated pages.

Education may work wonders as well in warping the genius of individuals as in seconding it.

Travel makes all men countrymen, makes people noblemen and kings, every man tasting of liberty and dominion.

Friendship is a plant that loves the sun, thrives ill under clouds.

Books are the most mannerly of companions, accessible at all times, in all moods, frankly declaring the author's mind, without offense.