"The library of Alexandria was burnt by the Moslimin, because, according to the instructions of Omar, the Koran only was the book of books, and all knowledge not contained in it was vain and useless. The library at Tripoli was consumed by the Christians, because it contained, for the most part, nothing but the Koran, and the works written on it. At Alamut the Koran was preserved by Jowaini, and the philosophical works written against it, doomed to destruction; and at Fas, a century before, an auto da fe of theological books was held by Sultan Yakub. Had these two alone been lost, there would not be so much reason to complain; but with them, the conflagrations of Alexandria and Alamut swept away treasures of Grecian, Egyptian, Persian, and Indian philosophy."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall, The History of the Assassins, Book VI, translated by Oswald Charles Wood
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Libraries
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Libraries
63 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Libraries →
Related Quotes
"And the smell of the library was always the same - the musty odour of old clothes mixed with the keener scent of unwa…"
"There are times when I think that the ideal library is composed solely of reference books. They are like understandin…"
"The richest minds need not large libraries."
"The medicine chest of the soul."
"Nutrimentum spiritus."
"You receive this writing that you may know how to preserve the books which I shall deliver to you; and you shall set …"
"Library Here is where people, One frequently finds, Lower their voices And raise their minds."
"Libraries are as the shrines where all the relics of the ancient saints, full of true virtue, and that without delusi…"
"Edward raises the pointer and places its tip against Alec’s forehead. “What’s the use of having a library in there if…"
"I have always imagined Paradise as a kind of library."