Alexander Pope Quotes about Writing
No writing is good that does not tend to better mankind in some way or other.
Alexander Pope (1847). “The works of Alexander Pope, with notes and illustrations, by himself and others. To which are added, a new life of the author [&c.] by W. Roscoe”, p.232
Why did I write? What sin to me unknown dipped me in ink, my parents , or my own?
Alexander Pope (2002). “Alexander Pope: Selected Poetry and Prose”, p.178, Routledge
Words are like Leaves; and where they most abound, Much Fruit of Sense beneath is rarely found.
Alexander Pope, Alexander Dyce (1831). “Poetical Works”, p.15
Some judge of authors' names, not works, and then Nor praise nor blame the writings, but the men.
Alexander Pope, William Roscoe (1824). “The Works of Alexander Pope: Esq. with Notes and Illustrations by Himself and Others. To which are Added, a New Life of the Author, an Estimate of His Poetical Character and Writings, and Occasional Remarks”, p.105
Alexander Pope, George Croly (1854). “The Poetical Works of Alexander Pope; with a Memoir of the Author, Notes, and Critical Notices on Each Poem. By the Rev. George Croly ... New Edition. [With a Portrait.]”, p.87
'The Dunciad' (1742) bk. 4, l. 251
But those who cannot write, and those who can, All rhyme, and scrawl, and scribble, to a man.
'Imitations of Horace' Horace bk. 2, Epistle 1 (1737) l. 187
Alexander Pope (1873). “The Poetical Works of Alexander Pope Edited with Notes and Introductory Memoir by Adolphus William Ward”, p.274
Alexander Pope (1853). “The poetical works of Alexander Pope”
Alexander Pope, William Warburton (1751). “The Works of Alexander Pope: Esq., with His Last Corrections, Additions, and Improvements; as They Were Delivered to the Editor a Little Before His Death; Together with the Commentaries and Notes of Mr. Warburton”, p.49
Alexander Pope (1808). “The poetical works of Alexander Pope. To which is prefixed the life of the author”, p.108
