The greatest part of a writer's time is spent in reading, in order to write: a man will turn over half a library to make one book. - Samuel Johnson

The greatest part of a writer's time is spent in reading in order to write.

Were it not for imagination, Sir, a man would be as happy in the arms of a chambermaid as of a Duchess.

Parts are not to be examined till the whole has been surveyed; there is a kind of intellectual remoteness necessary for the comprehension of any great work in its full design and its true proportions; a close approach shews the smaller niceties, but the beauty of the whole is discerned no longer.

Fancy can hardly forbear to conjecture with what temper Milton surveyed the silent progress of his work, and marked his reputation stealing its way in a kind of subterraneous current through fear and silence. I cannot but conceive him calm and confident, little disappointed, not at all dejected, relying on his own great merit with steady consciousness, and waiting, without impatience, the vicissitudes of opinion, and the impartiality of a future generation.