"
It seems odd that Marshal Blucher's favourite book should have
been Klopstock's 'Messiah,' and Napoleon Buonaparte's favourites,
Ossian's 'Poems' and the 'Sorrows of Werther.' But Napoleon's
range of reading was very extensive. It included Homer, Virgil,
Tasso; novels of all countries; histories of all times;
mathematics, legislation, and theology. He detested what he
called "the bombast and tinsel" of Voltaire. The praises of Homer
and Ossian he was never wearied of sounding. "Read again," he
said to an officer on board the BELLEROPHO--"read again the poet
of Achilles; devour Ossian. Those are the poets who lift up the
soul, and give to man a colossal greatness." (14)
The Duke of Wellington was an extensive reader; his principal
favourites were Clarendon, Bishop Butler, Smith's 'Wealth of
Nations,' Hume, the Archduke Charles, Leslie, and the Bible. He
was also particularly interested by French and English memoirs--
more especially the French MEMOIRES POUR SERVIR of all kinds.
When at Walmer, Mr. Gleig says, the Bible, the Prayer Book,
Taylor's 'Holy Living and Dying,' and Caesar's 'Commentaries,' lay
within the Duke's reach; and, judging by the marks of use on them,
they must have been much read and often consulted.
While books are among the best companions of old age, they are
often the best inspirers of youth. The first book that makes a
deep impression on a young man's mind, often constitutes an epoch
in his life.
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