Boswell

Famous quotes containing the word boswell:

    Boswell, when he speaks of his Life of Johnson, calls it my magnum opus, but it may more properly be called his opera, for it is truly a composition founded on a true story, in which there is a hero with a number of subordinate characters, and an alternate succession of recitative and airs of various tone and effect, all however in delightful animation.
    —James Boswell (1740–1795)

    I argued that the chastity of women was of much more consequence than that of men, as the property and rights of families depend upon it.
    —James Boswell (1740–1795)

    Writing a book I have found to be like building a house. A man forms a plan, and collects materials. He thinks he has enough to raise a large and stately edifice; but after he has arranged, compacted and polished, his work turns out to be a very small performance. The authour however like the builder, knows how much labour his work has cost him; and therefore estimates it at a higher rate than other people think it deserves,
    —James Boswell (1740–1795)