Item of Interest

In Northern California over the radio one evening the announcer asked the question, "If you could save only three of the world's best books from destruction, which three would you choose to save?"

The speaker for this regular program answered the station announcer's question: "Unquestionably there are three superlative books in existence, but what one person has the infallibility to make a just selection? I am afraid that my own judgment in this matter would not meet with your approval, so I am going to ask you—all of you—regardless of age, education, or station in life—to write an answer to this question."

Of course, the answers were to be mailed to the station. The speaker explained: "The purpose behind this request goes further than idle curiosity. It may act as an incentive to read better books and to delve into literature with which you are now unfamiliar. No one believes that this voting contest will enable us to reach a just and final conclusion, which, in itself, is unimportant. But it is important that all of us should know more about good books, and by reading them, find that inspiration which is necessary to every well-ordered life."

Not quite a month afterward the same speaker said in his radio program, "This evening ends our book contest, and the names of the winning books will be read on this program." First he gave excerpts from some of the letters he had received in answer to the question, excerpts not only stating the writers' choice of three books, but giving their comments. Some of these are as follows: "My selections are the Bible, not because of its doctrines, but because of the exquisite music of its poetry, and the sheer beauty of its simple stories which have never been surpassed." Another who voted for the Bible as his first choice gave his reason thus: "The Bible, from which could be reconstructed religion." One who also voted for the Bible commented: "My choice of books is the Bible, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' by Mary Baker Eddy, and 'Pilgrim's Progress.' As mariners upon the sea of life, these three books would prove both compass and chart, steering us both safely and wisely upon an unknown course. These books have already been proven of such incalculable value to willing and ready readers, that to suppose all other books destroyed and the world dependent upon these alone, would mean mental and moral purification, joyful inspiration, and a true world salvation."

The radio speaker then announced the result of the ballots. Altogether, 1730 ballots were sent in, and the total book votes numbered 5190. Nearly one thousand books were mentioned. Of course, the first place among the winners was the Bible, with 1310 votes. This meant that seventy-five persons out of every one hundred who voted included the Bible as the book of greatest importance. The dictionary won second place; and the winner of the third place was "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which received a total of 587 votes. Among the runners-up which were mentioned were the works of William Shakespeare, fourth; the Encyclopedia, fifth; and general history, sixth.

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Admission to The Mother Church

October 12, 1935

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