Sesame and Lilies, by John Ruskin, comprises two lectures delivered in 1864 addressing critical aspects of Victorian society. In "Of King's Treasuries," Ruskin explores the profound importance of books and reading, advocating for a deep engagement with literature as a source of wisdom and moral guidance. He critiques the superficial reading habits of his contemporaries, urging a more thoughtful and discerning approach to the written word. In "Of Queens' Gardens," Ruskin delves into the roles and education of women, arguing for their intellectual development and influence within the domestic sphere. He idealizes women as moral guardians and sources of inspiration, while also reflecting the era's complex and often restrictive views on gender. Ruskin's eloquent prose and insightful social commentary make Sesame and Lilies a significant work of Victorian literature, offering valuable perspectives on culture, education, and the enduring power of books.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.