Emma's reading lists

I love this little bit:

"Emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve years old.  I have seen a great many  lists of her drawing up at various times of books that she meant to read regularly through--and very good lists they were--very well chosen and very neatly arranged--sometimes alphabetically and sometimes by some other rule.  The list she drew up when only fourteen--I remember thinking it did her judgement so much credit that I preserved it some time; and I dare say she may have made out a very good list now.  But I have done with expecting any course of steady reading from Emma.  She will never submit to anything requiring industry and patience and a subjection of the fancy to the understanding."

Mr. Knightley discussing Emma's faults with Mrs. Weston, who will not admit them
Emma, volume 1, chapter 5

I think I have made various reading lists of my own over the years...

Comments

[mrs. knightley]

Yes, list making is my specialty, but like Emma it is rarely carried out. Austen again exposing another common flaw!