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

Novelty has charms that our minds can hardly withstand

Novelty has charms that our minds can hardly withstand

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.

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.

We should pay as much reverence to youth as we should to age; there are...

We should pay as much reverence to youth as we should to age; there are...

Let a man who has to make his fortune in life remember this maxim: Attacking...

Let a man who has to make his fortune in life remember this maxim: Attacking...

'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...

Except for the young or very happy, I can't say I am sorry for anyone...

Except for the young or very happy, I can't say I am sorry for anyone...

Humor is wit and love.

Humor is wit and love.

Kindnesses are easily forgotten; but injuries! what worthy man does not keep those in mind?

Kindnesses are easily forgotten; but injuries! what worthy man does not keep those in mind?

'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

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...

I think I could be a good woman if I had five thousand a year

I think I could be a good woman if I had five thousand a year

Dinner was made for eating, not for talking.

Dinner was made for eating, not for talking.

'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...

Despair is perfectly compatible with a good dinner, I promise you.

Despair is perfectly compatible with a good dinner, I promise you.

Next to excellence is the appreciation of it

Next to excellence is the appreciation of it

Remember, it's as easy to marry a rich woman as a poor woman.

Remember, it's as easy to marry a rich woman as a poor woman.

It is impossible, in our condition of Society, not to be sometimes a Snob.

It is impossible, in our condition of Society, not to be sometimes a Snob.

People who do not know how to laugh are always pompous and self-conceited.

People who do not know how to laugh are always pompous and self-conceited.

The book of female logic is blotted all over with tears, and Justice in their...

The book of female logic is blotted all over with tears, and Justice in their...