Skip to content

Bars Quote by John Cowper Powys

“A bookshop is powder-magazine, a dynamite-shed, a drugstore of poisons, a bar of intoxicants, a den of opiates, an island of sirens.” quote by John Cowper Powys
Download Open image
“A bookshop is powder-magazine, a dynamite-shed, a drugstore of poisons, a bar of intoxicants, a den of opiates, an island of sirens.”

John Cowper Powys

About This Quote

Source Novel: A Glastonbury Romance, 1932

The bookshop is likened to a place of potent, intoxicating ideas that can both inspire and corrupt readers.

In simple terms: Bookstores hold powerful, addictive ideas.

Key Takeaway

Approach reading critically.

Themes

literature danger influence

Mood

reflective cautious

Type

metaphorical critical

When to use this quote

  • shopping for books
  • research
  • creative writing
  • academic study

Key Concepts

psychology media theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance curiosity with caution?
  • What books have changed your perspective?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may exaggerate negativity of reading.

2.2 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by John Cowper Powys

Explore all 44 John Cowper Powys quotes

More Bars quotes

Browse all 1,768 Bars quotes