In quest of the perfect book

A book is a portion of the eternal mind caught in its progress through the world stamped in an instant, and preserved for eternity.
— Lord Houghton (1809–1885)
QUEEN MARY’S PSALTER, English, 14th Century
The Last Judgement
(Brit. Mus. Royal MS. 2B vii, 11 × 7 inches)
IN QUEST OF THE PERFECT BOOK
REMINISCENCES
& REFLECTIONS
OF A BOOKMAN
WILLIAM DANA ORCUTT
PUBLISHED · MCMXXVI · BOSTON
LITTLE, BROWN & COMPANY