America is now wholly given over to a damned mob of…
““America is now wholly given over to a damned mob of scribbling women, and I should have no chance of success while the public taste is occupied with their trash--and should be ashamed of myself if I did succeed. What is the mystery of these innumberable editions of The Lamplighter (by Maria Susanna Cummins), and other books neither better nor worse? Worse they could not be, and better they need not be, when they sell by the hundred thousand.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author laments that popular taste favors low‑brow, mass‑produced literature, questioning the value of literary merit versus commercial success.
In simple terms: Popular books often sell despite lacking quality, challenging notions of literary worth.
Key Takeaway
Consider quality over popularity when reading.
Themes
literature
taste
commercialism
quality
mass media
Mood
critical
contemplative
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- book selection
- publishing decisions
- educational curricula
- library acquisitions
Key Concepts
aesthetics
cultural criticism
market dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you judge books by reputation or content?
- How does market pressure shape literary standards?
A Different Perspective
Popular demand can sometimes reflect genuine cultural needs despite perceived low quality.