Sir Francis Bacon 
Essays and Counsels, Civil and Moral [EPUB ebook] 

From the essay ‘Of Study’: ‘Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.’ According to Wikipedia: ‘Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban KC QC (22 January 1561 — 9 April 1626) was an English philosopher, statesman, and author. He served both as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England. He is also known as a catalyst of the scientific revolution. His most celebrated works include The New Atlantis. Bacon was knighted in 1603, created Baron Verulam in 1618, and Viscount St Alban in 1621…’