Sale
  • "I Cannot Live" Quote Mug - Library of Congress Shop
  • "I Cannot Live" Quote Mug - Library of Congress Shop

"I Cannot Live" Quote Mug

$ 12.00

"I cannot live without books" is printed on one side of the mug and the back  is printed with the cupola of the Jefferson Building and the Library of Congress logo. Microwave and dishwasher safe. 12 oz. capacity.

Ours exclusively.

Item number 21509641

The original letter from Thomas Jefferson to John Adams containing the quote is in the Library's Manuscript Division. Jefferson's letter in its entirety reads:

[June 10, 1815]

I have met with, and very kindly and opportunely offered me the means of reprocuring some part of the library treasures which I have ceded to Congress to replace the devastations of British Vandalism at Washington. I cannot live without books, but fewer will suffice where amusement, and not use, is the only future object. I am about sending him a catalogue to which less than his critical knolege of books would hardly be adequate.

Present my high respects to mrs Adams and accept yourself the assurances of my affectionate attachment. Th. Jefferson