Book of Wise Sayings
Selected Largely from Eastern Sources
Book of Wise Sayings, published in 1893, is a small anthology of nearly six hundred numbered aphorisms gathered by W. A. Clouston, the Glasgow folklorist known for his studies of popular tales. Much of the material is Eastern: passages from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the fables of the Panchatantra and Hitopadesa, the Persian poets, Arabic proverbs and Chinese sayings stand beside Greek, Roman and European moralists, each with its source. Clouston's preface answers the cynic who asks what good proverbs have ever done anyone, and argues that a pithy maxim can carry more practical wisdom than a dozen improving books. The themes are patience, contentment, the right use of wealth, silence and the brevity of life. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
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Frequently asked questions about Book of Wise Sayings
Book of Wise Sayings by W. A. Clouston can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
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The first chapter of Book of Wise Sayings is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Book of Wise Sayings in the public domain?
Yes. Book of Wise Sayings by W. A. Clouston is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Book of Wise Sayings?
About 1 h 30 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Book of Wise Sayings?
Book of Wise Sayings by W. A. Clouston is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
