If a secret history of books could be written, and the author's private thoughts and meanings noted down alongside of his story, how many insipid volumes would become interesting, and dull tales excite the reader!

Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray

Topics: Books Quotes

'Tis strange what a man may do, and a woman yet think him an angel.

'Tis strange what a man may do, and a woman yet think him an angel.

'Tis hard with respect to Beauty, that its possessor should not have a life enjoyment...

'Tis hard with respect to Beauty, that its possessor should not have a life enjoyment...

Novelty has charms that our minds can hardly withstand

Novelty has charms that our minds can hardly withstand

The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of...

The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of...

It is to the middle-class we must look for the safety of England.

It is to the middle-class we must look for the safety of England.

When you look at me, when you think of me, I am in paradise.

When you look at me, when you think of me, I am in paradise.

I would rather make my name than inherit it.

I would rather make my name than inherit it.

What money is better bestowed than that of a schoolboy's tip? How the kindness is...

What money is better bestowed than that of a schoolboy's tip? How the kindness is...

If a secret history of books could be written, and the author's private thoughts and...

If a secret history of books could be written, and the author's private thoughts and...

The two most engaging powers of an author are to make new things familiar, familiar...

The two most engaging powers of an author are to make new things familiar, familiar...

Next to excellence is the appreciation of it.

Next to excellence is the appreciation of it.

Bravery never goes out of fashion

Bravery never goes out of fashion

A good laugh is sunshine in the house.

A good laugh is sunshine in the house.

There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.

There are many sham diamonds in this life which pass for real, and vice versa.

And oh, what a mercy it is that these women do not exercise their powers...

And oh, what a mercy it is that these women do not exercise their powers...

A clever, ugly man every now and then is successful with the ladies, but a...

A clever, ugly man every now and then is successful with the ladies, but a...

To love and win is the best thing. To love and lose, the next best.

To love and win is the best thing. To love and lose, the next best.

Ah vanity of vanities! How wayward the decrees of fate are, How very weak the...

Ah vanity of vanities! How wayward the decrees of fate are, How very weak the...

Religion is the highest vanity.

Religion is the highest vanity.

Nothing makes one so vain as being told one is a sinner. Conscience makes egotists...

Nothing makes one so vain as being told one is a sinner. Conscience makes egotists...