Sesame and Lilies
Sesame and Lilies, first published in 1865, gathers lectures John Ruskin gave to audiences in Manchester and Dublin. In "Of Kings' Treasuries" he argues that reading is a kind of conversation with the wisest of the dead, which demands patience, close attention to words and a willingness to be changed, and he turns that argument into an attack on a society that spends more on horses and war than on libraries. "Of Queens' Gardens" sets out his view of the education and duties of women, a view of separate spheres that was influential and is now widely disputed. "The Mystery of Life and its Arts," added later, is a more somber reflection on what a working life is for. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Sesame and Lilies
Sesame and Lilies by John Ruskin 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.
Can I read Sesame and Lilies online?
Yes. Sesame and Lilies opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Sesame and Lilies free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Sesame and Lilies 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 Sesame and Lilies in the public domain?
Yes. Sesame and Lilies by John Ruskin 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 Sesame and Lilies?
About 3 h 13 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 Sesame and Lilies?
Sesame and Lilies by John Ruskin is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
