In this excerpt from "Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader" by Anne Fadiman, the narrator discusses the challenges of organizing a personal library. There is a humorous exchange between the narrator and George, who is surprised by the idea of arranging books chronologically by each author when there is uncertainty about the exact dates of their works, specifically mentioning Shakespeare.

Fadiman’s reflection captures the tension between a desire for order and the complexities of literary history. George's dramatic reaction highlights the potential strain that such organization might create in their relationship, suggesting that even book arrangements can spark significant differences in opinion among bibliophiles.