19th-century Biographer Quotes

The beauty of the picture is an abiding concrete of the painter's vision.

Hartley Coleridge

The necessitarian falls back upon the experienced reality of facts.

James Anthony Froude

The business of a boys' author is not to consider political issues, but to entertain the readers, make them as happy as possible.

Charles Hamilton (writer)

The question is not whether a doctrine is beautiful but whether it is true. When we wish to go to a place, we do not ask whether the road leads through a pretty country, but whether it is the right road.

Before you give advice, that is to say advice which you have not been asked to give, it is well to put to yourself two questions - namely, what is your motive for giving it, and what is it likely to be worth? If these questions were always asked, and honestly answered, there would be less advice given.

John William Mackail

I, a miserable wretch, haunted by a curse that shut up every avenue to enjoyment.

If I am not pleased with myself, but should wish to be other than I am, why should I think highly of the influences which have made me what I am?

John Lancaster Spalding