The Reverend Robert Young c. 1845

This sepia-toned photograph by David Octavius Hill captures Reverend Robert Young holding a book, a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. The book itself, clutched in the reverend's hands, transcends its literal form. It is a 'pathos formula,' echoing images of learned figures throughout history. Consider, for instance, the ancient philosophers depicted with scrolls, or the medieval scholars with illuminated manuscripts. These are all variations of the same theme: the reverence for the written word. The act of holding the book close suggests a personal connection, an almost intimate relationship with its contents. This is not merely an object but a vessel of sacred knowledge. In a world increasingly detached from physical objects, the image reminds us of the power and weight that a book once held, a power that, like a persistent ghost, still lingers in our collective memory.