" I attended school regularly for three years. I learned to read and write. ‘Lamb’s Tales’ from Shakespeare was my favourite reading matter. I stole, by finding, Palgrave’s ‘Golden Treasury.’ These two books, and the ‘Everyman’ edition of John Keats, were my proudest and dearest possessions, my greatest wealth. "
- Peter Abrahams

In the quoted passage, Peter Abrahams describes his educational journey over three years, during which he acquired fundamental literacy skills. He fondly recalls reading "Lamb's Tales" from Shakespeare and discovering Palgrave's "Golden Treasury," both of which became treasured possessions. Additionally, he mentions owning an edition of John Keats' works, highlighting the significance these literary treasures held for him.

The quote delves into the transformative power of literature in one’s life. Abrahams emphasizes the profound impact that a few cherished books had on his personal growth and education. By stealing Palgrave's "Golden Treasury" and cherishing it along with other classic texts, he underscores how literature can serve as a gateway to knowledge and self-discovery, even when traditional educational resources are scarce or unavailable. This sentiment highlights the enduring influence of literary works in shaping an individual’s intellectual development.

Peter Abrahams is a notable South African author best known for his autobiographical novel "Song of a Simple Man," published in 1947, which recounts his experiences growing up under apartheid and becoming a writer despite societal challenges. His work often focuses on social issues and the power of literature to inspire change and personal transformation.