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Samuel Johnson Quotes about Writing - Page 5

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A successful author is equally in danger of the diminution of his fame, whether he continues or ceases to write.

Samuel Johnson, Elizabeth Carter, Samuel Richardson, Catherine Talbot (1825). “The Rambler: A Periodical Paper, Published in 1750, 1751, 1752”, p.39

I know not, Madam, that you have a right, upon moral principles, to make your readers suffer so much.

James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, Edmond Malone (1824). “The life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D., comprehending an account of his studies, and numerous works, in chronological order: a series of his epistolary correspondence and conversations with many eminent persons; and various original pieces of his composition, never before published; the whole exhibiting a view of literature and literary men in Great Britain, for near half a century during which he flourished”, p.342

The end of writing is to instruct; the end of poetry is to instruct by pleasing.

Samuel Johnson (1977). “Selected Poetry and Prose”, p.304, Univ of California Press

A man may write at any time, if he will set himself doggedly to it.

Quoted in James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791) (entry for Mar. 1750)

You may translate books of science exactly. ... The beauties of poetry cannot be preserved in any language except that in which it was originally written.

Samuel Johnson, James Boswell (1825). “The Table Talk of Dr. Johnson: Comprising Opinions and Anecdotes of Life and Literature, Men, Manners, and Morals”, p.264

Women can spin very well; but they cannot make a good book of cookery.

"The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D.: Including a Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides".