Lindsey Davis Quotes

born 1949 England

Lindsey Davis (born 1949) is an English historical novelist, best known as the author of the Falco series of historical crime stories set in ancient Rome and its empire.

England
Authors
Novelists

Random Lindsey Davis quote

56 quotes

Never stop to breathe the pretty flower scents. The graves of the poor still stink.

The Accusers (2003)

Their work was undercover—yet their existence unconcealed. That is how fear works.

The Third Nero (2017)

Smartness always helps in gaining access to the houses of the wealthy. Anyone with a clean face is acceptable to thugs.

Time to Depart (1995)

But mere technical details can be worked out any time. All a hero needs is grit.

The Iron Hand of Mars (1992)

Communicating wit is a lonely art. It demands an independent soul.

Last Act in Palmyra (1994)

Luck is a wonderful luxury. What could better prove that some are born under a star of good fortune than the career (and the large, comfortable home) of the Great King?

A Body in the Bath House (2001)

Not all the fine civic building programmes in the world would ever displace the raw forces that drive most of humankind. This was the true city: greed, corruption and violence.

Time to Depart (1995)

When I hear the words 'social order', I start looking around for somebody to pick a fight with.

The Accusers (2003)

Intimidation and awe are how our rulers keep us respectful.

The Accusers (2003)

In fact, making up a spiteful lie has become respectable. Today's "jesters" are outright public nuisances.

Last Act in Palmyra (1994)

I had been right in the first place. Getting involved with politicians is complete stupidity.

Venus in Copper (1991)

Discovering that a fraud exists is only the first step. It has to be proved and the proof has to be absolutely watertight.

A Body in the Bath House (2001)

This was a solitary walk where the sun and the scents of wild flowers would act on a tortured mind like a soothing drug.

See Delphi and Die (2005)

You could tell those two had been married by the way that she ignored him.

Shadows in Bronze (1990)

If being hit on the head by a falling flower tub could be worth cash to the victim, what price a child’s life under civil law?

The Ides of April (2013)

No woman who builds a career on hard work and talent will ever compliment a much younger one who uses the shallow gift of her looks.

The Third Nero (2017)

Justice never paid a poor man's bills.

Venus in Copper (1991)

There comes a point for a nut-lover, Quintus thought, where funeral food is worth taking a risk, even when you are dining with a megalomaniac who wants to kill you.

Invitation to Die (2019)

In an ideal world I ought to have gone with him to observe their reactions, but in an ideal world heroes never get tired or depressed; what's more, heroes are paid more than me.

Last Act in Palmyra (1994)

‘What's the verdict?’
‘A shining new talent. A breathtaking story, written with mystical intensity. An author who will sell and sell.’

Ode to a Banker (2000)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Lindsey Davis (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.