A documentary written by Antonio Gala, presenting the book as a torch passed down from generation to generation, preserving humanity’s knowledge. To this end, and beginning with a passage from the biblical Book of Genesis, Gala has selected a series of classic texts from Spanish literature, ranging from The Poem of the Cid to the mystical poetry of Saint John of the Cross, including La Celestina, Don Quixote and the literature of the conquest of America. These texts reflect the timeless passions of humanity. The readings are illustrated with images of the authors and the books themselves, as well as of some of the places mentioned in the texts.