The expression indicates a quantity of reading material exceeding a reasonable or manageable number. For example, acquiring numerous volumes for a short vacation might result in physical strain during travel and an inability to engage with all the texts.
An excessive accumulation can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, hindering one’s ability to appreciate individual titles. Historically, the accessibility of printed works was limited; therefore, possessing a significant number demonstrated affluence and scholarly inclination. However, contemporary availability can often lead to overabundance, impacting both physical space and mental clarity.