34 quotes
A second-hand bookseller, I found, may read much in his time, but he cannot read continuously.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
"What was that?" said Grandmamma, who is not really deaf, but when in a tight place likes to gain time by this harmless imposition.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
Cynicism and self-esteem run through everything. Christian of course we never were, and never shall be, not even in adversity; but we are no longer in the least afraid of God.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
Virtue we still consider the best goal for others: but for ourselves, success. Success is the new god, and will be, I suppose, for some time yet, so zealously is the altar flame guarded.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
What can become of book-hunting...if everything is reprinted in uniform binding for a shilling or sixpence?
Over Bemerton's (1908)
The time for second-hand book-shops...is after one's work, not during one's work.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
The true Londoner cares no straw for sanitation. He thrives on ill conditions.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
Unhappily in England just now,...the type of journalist who seems to have most readers is permitted to be the least sagacious and the least independent.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
The art of life...is to be thought odd. Everything will then be permitted to you.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
The crying need for the moment in this country, as in America, is a gospel of poverty to cope with the gospel of riches that is vitiating society.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
I never need to see any one twice to know them. My first impressions are always right. Sometimes I go back on my first impressions, but it is always a mistake to do so.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
Not the least remarkable thing in this wonderful world in which we grope and have our being, is the amazing differences that can exist in the children of the same parents.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
His mind...with all its vigour and acumen, though naturally inclined to justice and courage, is about as capable of impartiality as a prize-fighter is capable of metaphysics.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
It was almost impossible for a book to carry no association for that swooping, pouncing brain. He either knew it, or knew of it, or had always wanted to know it.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
Venice indeed imposes laziness. Even Americans doing Europe approach restfulness there. There is no hurrying a gondolier.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
After my experiences I know that it is not the disposal of books that presents the greatest difficulty to a bookseller, but the acquisition of them.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
So long as there are advertisements there cannot be absolutely free speech. It is not humanly possible.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
It was a dull day for English readers (I think) when the description of the person was first considered unnecessary. We rarely get it now.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
I have come to the conclusion that the golfing temperament is essentially aristocratic— a feudal inheritance — the property exclusively of those who can see nothing absurd or even degrading in the spectacle of powerful frivolous men being followed by boys of burden.
Over Bemerton's (1908)
It is when one reads counsels of something more than perfection — counsels of pedantic priggishness, shall we say — to natural, healthy children, that one realises how necessary compromise is to daily life and how far removed perfection is from the natural human being.
Over Bemerton's (1908)