Sesame and Lilies by John Ruskin

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Sesame and Lilies by John Ruskin

(2 User reviews) 702

By Anastasia Zhang Posted on Jan 17, 2026

In Category - Ancient Epics

Authors: Ruskin, John, 1819-1900 Published By : Ruskin, John, 1819-1900

Book Language: English

Hey, have you ever read something that felt like it was written for a completely different time, yet somehow still managed to hit you right in the modern feels? That's 'Sesame and Lilies' for me. It's not a novel—it's two lectures John Ruskin gave in 1864, packaged as a book. The whole thing revolves around this massive, quiet conflict: what's the point of reading, and what's the role of women in society? Ruskin argues passionately that books are 'Sesame'—magic keys that unlock the treasures of human thought—and that women, the 'Lilies,' have a sacred duty to create beautiful, moral homes. Reading it today, you're constantly wrestling with his ideas. Some of his views on women feel painfully dated and restrictive, but his core message about the life-changing power of reading and the importance of a thoughtful, ethical life is surprisingly urgent. It's like having a brilliant, stubborn, Victorian grandfather explain his worldview. You won't agree with everything he says, but you can't help but be impressed by the force of his conviction and the beauty of his writing. It makes you think hard about what you value.

File: Sesame and Lilies by John Ruskin

Okay, let's break this classic down. 'Sesame and Lilies' isn't a story in the traditional sense. It's two public lectures that art critic and social thinker John Ruskin delivered in 1864. He published them together, and they became a huge deal.

The Story

The first lecture, 'Of Kings' Treasuries,' is all about reading. Ruskin isn't talking about breezy entertainment. He's making a case for reading as serious, soul-building work. He says great books are like the magic command 'Open Sesame'—they unlock the stored wisdom of the ages. But you have to read actively, thoughtfully, and with a moral purpose. The second lecture, 'Of Queens' Gardens,' focuses on the education and role of women. Ruskin paints an idealized picture of women as the moral and spiritual guardians of the home and nation. He argues they should be educated broadly (a radical idea then) not for careers, but to be wise, compassionate influences on their families and society. The 'plot' here is the unfolding of these two central arguments.

Why You Should Read It

Reading Ruskin is an experience. His prose is gorgeous—full of vivid imagery and rolling sentences that pull you along. You feel his fierce intelligence and his deep concern for a society he saw becoming shallow and materialistic. The reason this book sticks with you is the tension. His passion for the life of the mind and the importance of beauty is incredibly inspiring. I found myself wanting to be a better, more careful reader. But then, his vision for women, while progressive in its call for education, is firmly rooted in a separate-spheres ideology that feels confining today. That friction is the point. It doesn't ask for passive agreement; it demands a conversation across time. You engage with it, argue with it, and take what still shines.

Final Verdict

This is a book for the curious reader, not someone looking for a light escape. It's perfect for anyone interested in Victorian thought, the history of ideas about literature and gender, or just beautiful, persuasive prose. If you enjoy wrestling with big questions about how to live and what to value, and you don't mind a text that challenges some modern sensibilities, you'll find 'Sesame and Lilies' profoundly stimulating. Think of it less as a manual to follow and more as a fascinating historical document that still sparks brilliant, necessary debates.