Can you easily generate the money for each level to get the books?
No, it's not easy. It is, however, possible.
ScrotieMcB is absolutely correct. It is completely possible but involves raising bartering, robbing Cyseal blind, or doing both. What I did in my last game was raise Bartering and Charisma to Base 3 + traits and panties. I found enough Barter items that I had 7/5. I then sold everything in exchange for the books, and had plenty of paintings and golden cups left over for next level.
After I earned 200,000+ gold around level 10, I respecced and got rid of bartering
