THE PEOPLE'S UNIVERSITY.
[To THE EDITOR Or TICE "SPECTLTOR."]
SIR,—The true University (said Carlyle) is a great libtary. The saying is true, provided that the reader knows how to use the library. But few persons have the knowledge and the patience to learn how to use it; and hence much of the reading of to-day is desultory, half-hearted, or even useless. It is the aim of the National Home-Reading Union to guide readers to the best use of books in their favourite subjects. For this purpose it invites experts to draw up book lists and a plan of reading on various topics that are known to be acceptable. It also supplies a much- needed stimulus in the form of articles in a monthly magazine issued to its members for their help in mastering and appreciating the part of the subject mapped out for each month's reading. There are three schemes of study,—for the more advanced readers, for those who have less time, and for the young. Among the subjects in the first group offered for the present season (October to June) are the history of London (designed to prepare the way for a full appreciation of next year's historical pageant), English essayists, the French Revolution, social economics, the discovery of the New World, Mohammedan literature, and Virgil. Many other courses of reading are available. The Union encourages the grouping of its members in circles, which should meet at least once a month for the discussion of the month's reading. Its terms are so moderate that it may claim to be "The People's University" for those who carefully and persistently avail themselves of its privileges. From long experience of its work I can heartily recommend it to your readers, and advise them to write to Miss Read, the secretary, at the address below, for full information.—I am, Sir, &c.,
12 York Buildings, Adelphi, J. HOLLAND ROSE.
Previous page
