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Thomas James Wise

Thomas James Wise was a notable bibliophile and a controversial figure in the literary world, primarily recognized for his extensive collection of rare books, known as the Ashley Library, which is now part of the British Library. Wise's passion for literature and antiquarian books led him to amass a significant collection, showcasing his deep appreciation for literary history. However, his legacy is marred by allegations of forgery and theft, which have cast a long shadow over his contributions to bibliophilia. Wise's involvement in literary forgery became apparent when he was implicated in the creation of fake editions of works by prominent authors, including a number of forgeries attributed to the likes of Samuel Johnson and William Blake. These actions not only raised questions about the authenticity of his collection but also sparked debates about the ethics of collecting and the integrity of literary scholarship. Despite the controversies surrounding his practices, Wise's impact on the field of bibliophilia remains significant, as he helped to elevate the importance of rare books and their preservation, even as his methods were called into question. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the fine line between passion for literature and the moral implications of obsession.

Wikipedia

Thomas James Wise (7 October 1859 – 13 May 1937) was a bibliophile and probable literary forger and thief who collected...

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Famous Quotes

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“Negroes are Americans and their destiny is the country’s destiny. They have no other experience besides their experience on this continent and it is an experience which cannot be rejected, which yet remains to be embraced. If, as I believe, no American Negro exists who does not have his private Bigger Thomas living in the skull, then what most significantly fails to be illuminated here is the paradoxical adjustment which is perpetually made, the Negro being compelled to accept the fact that this dark and dangerous and unloved stranger is part of himself forever. Only this recognition sets him in any wise free and it is this, this necessary ability to contain and even, in the most honorable sense of the word, to exploit the “nigger,” which lends to Negro life its high element of the ironic and which causes the most well-meaning of their American critics to make such exhilarating errors when attempting to understand them.””

Notes of a Native Son

“A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.””

Holy Bible: New King James Version

“Trust the Lord Even before Trusting Oneself (03 March)     Bible Passage: Proverbs 3:5-8   "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones."   ------------------------------------------------ John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  When the Apostle John wrote the above verse, he used a Greek word that means much more than what many people might think.  It is easy to read his words and conclude that a person will be saved if he or she simply believes that Jesus once existed or even that He still exists.  But that is not correct.  The Greek word that he used for "believeth" actually means to commit to and to trust in the object of one's belief.  So "believeth" does mean to believe that Jesus once existed and that He still exists.  But it also means to commit oneself to Him and to trust in Him.””

Daily Devotions from the Book of Proverbs

“Negroes are Americans and their destiny is the country’s destiny. They have no other experience besides their experience on this continent and it is an experience which cannot be rejected, which yet remains to be embraced. If, as I believe, no American Negro exists who does not have his private Bigger Thomas living in the skull, then what most significantly fails to be illuminated here is the paradoxical adjustment which is perpetually made, the Negro being compelled to accept the fact that this dark and dangerous and unloved stranger is part of himself forever. Only this recognition sets him in any wise free and it is this, this necessary ability to contain and even, in the most honorable sense of the word, to exploit the “nigger,” which lends to Negro life its high element of the ironic and which causes the most well-meaning of their American critics to make such exhilarating errors when attempting to understand them.””

Notes of a Native Son

“A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.””

Holy Bible: New King James Version

“Trust the Lord Even before Trusting Oneself (03 March)     Bible Passage: Proverbs 3:5-8   "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones."   ------------------------------------------------ John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  When the Apostle John wrote the above verse, he used a Greek word that means much more than what many people might think.  It is easy to read his words and conclude that a person will be saved if he or she simply believes that Jesus once existed or even that He still exists.  But that is not correct.  The Greek word that he used for "believeth" actually means to commit to and to trust in the object of one's belief.  So "believeth" does mean to believe that Jesus once existed and that He still exists.  But it also means to commit oneself to Him and to trust in Him.””

Daily Devotions from the Book of Proverbs

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Thomas James Wise

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