As a rule, anyone who can tell a good story can write one, so there really need be no mistake about his qualification; such a man will be careful not to be wearisome, and to keep his point, or his…

Quote by James Payn

Topics: James Payn Quotes

For my part, I do not much believe in the predilections of boyhood.

For my part, I do not much believe in the predilections of boyhood.

Nor, in our own country, must we fail to take notice of the establishment of...

Nor, in our own country, must we fail to take notice of the establishment of...

In all highly civilised communities Pretence is prominent, and sooner or later invades the regions...

In all highly civilised communities Pretence is prominent, and sooner or later invades the regions...

And what holds good of verse holds infinitely better in respect to prose.

And what holds good of verse holds infinitely better in respect to prose.

It is better, however, for his own reputation that the story-teller should risk a few...

It is better, however, for his own reputation that the story-teller should risk a few...

A nobler example, because a less personal one, of the pinch of poverty, is when...

A nobler example, because a less personal one, of the pinch of poverty, is when...

In England, literary pretence is more universal than elsewhere from our method of education.

In England, literary pretence is more universal than elsewhere from our method of education.

To the truly benevolent mind, indeed, nothing is more satisfactory than to hear of a...

To the truly benevolent mind, indeed, nothing is more satisfactory than to hear of a...

The fact is, if a young man is naturally indolent, the spur of necessity will...

The fact is, if a young man is naturally indolent, the spur of necessity will...

How large and varied is the educational bill of fare set before every young gentleman...

How large and varied is the educational bill of fare set before every young gentleman...

Some Critics on the Hearth are not only good-natured, but have rather too high, or,...

Some Critics on the Hearth are not only good-natured, but have rather too high, or,...

The idea of bringing young people up to Literature is doubtless calculated to raise the...

The idea of bringing young people up to Literature is doubtless calculated to raise the...

One would think that in writing about literary men and matters there would be no...

One would think that in writing about literary men and matters there would be no...

It is quite extraordinary how very various are the opinions entertained on this point, and,...

It is quite extraordinary how very various are the opinions entertained on this point, and,...

Nature of course is the best guide in the matter of choosing a pursuit.

Nature of course is the best guide in the matter of choosing a pursuit.

It has often struck me that the relation of two important members of the social...

It has often struck me that the relation of two important members of the social...

It is certain, indeed, that the sacred writers were apt to make great allowances for...

It is certain, indeed, that the sacred writers were apt to make great allowances for...

A great philosopher has stated that the worst evil of poverty is, that it makes...

A great philosopher has stated that the worst evil of poverty is, that it makes...

A man with an invention on which he has spent his life, but has no...

A man with an invention on which he has spent his life, but has no...

Cultivating literature as I do upon a little oatmeal, and driving, when in a position...

Cultivating literature as I do upon a little oatmeal, and driving, when in a position...