Let's be clear: this is not a novel. Decimal Classification. Tables générales is the rulebook. Published in 1905 by the International Institute of Bibliography, it's the early, expansive blueprint for what we now know as the Dewey Decimal System. It lays out the categories, the numbers, and the logic for sorting everything from philosophy and religion to history and the arts into a neat, numerical order. The 'plot' is the system itself, growing and branching out to try and contain the entirety of written thought.

Why You Should Read It

Reading this feels like getting a backstage pass to the mind of a librarian. It’s fascinating to see the choices made—why is one topic a major category and another a sub-sub-category? You start to see the worldview baked into the numbers. It’s a quiet reminder that the way we organize information shapes how we find it and, in a way, how we think about it. For anyone who loves libraries, history, or just the idea of bringing order to a messy world, this is a foundational text (pun intended).

Final Verdict

This is a niche read, but a rewarding one. It’s perfect for history buffs, library science students, or anyone with a deep curiosity about how our information systems were built. Don't expect a thrilling narrative, but if you've ever wondered about the logic behind the library shelves, this is the original source code. It’s a book for thinkers and organizers.