[Loeb Classical Library prospectus.] Machines or Mind? An Introduction to the Loeb Classical Library | By W. H. D. Rouse, Litt.D.

16pp, 8vo. Stapled pamphlet. In fair condition, lightly aged, covers dusty and spotted, staples slightly rusted. P.2 carries an announcement of the joint publication by 'Mr. Heinemann' and the Macmillan Company of New York 'of a new series of Greek and Latin texts with English translations on the opposite page and brief biographical prefaces. The series takes its name from Mr. James Loeb, originator of the idea, […]'. The page gives details of the plan, and p.15 carries a 'List of the First Twenty Volumes, 'Ready in September' and 'Ready in November'. P.16 gives details of those involved in the library: the two editors Page and Rouse, and the ten members of the 'Advisory Board'. Pp.3-14 carry Rouse's essay 'Machines or Mind?', in which he attempts to answer the question 'What is the use of Greek and Latin literature?' He begins an impassioned response with the counter-question: 'What is the use of machines?' His conclusion is that there is a question 'which the world has not faced': 'So much time has been saved, that thousands of people who used to be working all day now have leisure; and they do not know what to do with it. They are often ignorant, violent, intolerant, and they are so many, that the few wiser who ought to guide them are forced to follow. To what end?' No copy in the BL, and only three copies on Library Hub Discover (the former COPAC): at Manchester, Liverpool and the Institute of Classical Studies. Now scarce.