Language gradually varies, and with it fade away the writings of authors who have flourished their allotted time; otherwise, the creative powers… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
The land of literature is a fairy land to those who view it at a distance, but, like all other landscapes, the… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
If I can, by a lucky chance, in these uneasy days, rub out one wrinkle from the brow of care, or beguile… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Sometimes he spent hours together in the great libraries of Paris, those catacombs of departed authors, rummaging among their hoards of dusty… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
To occupy an inch of dusty shelf-to have the title of their works read now and then in a future age by… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
“My object is merely to give the reader a general introduction into an abode where, if so disposed, he may linger and… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Other men are known to posterity only through the medium of history, which is continually growing faint and obscure; but the intercourse… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
The great British Library --an immense collection of volumes of all ages and languages, many of which are now forgotten, and most… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
The only happy author in this world is he who is below the care of reputation. — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
There rise authors now and then, who seem proof against the mutability of language, because they have rooted themselves in the unchanging… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
“In the present day, when popular literature is running into the low levels of life, and luxuriating on the vices and follies… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Some minds corrode and grow inactive under the loss of personal liberty; others grow morbid and irritable; but it is the nature of the… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Language gradually varies, and with it fade away the writings of authors who have flourished their allotted time; otherwise, the creative powers of genius… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands.… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Over no nation does the press hold a more absolute control than over the people of America, for the universal education of the poorest… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
I have never found, in anything outside of the four walls of my study, an enjoyment equal to sitting at my writing desk with… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
There is no character in the comedy of human life more difficult to play well than that of an old bachelor. — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
He who thinks much says but little in proportion to his thoughts. He selects that language which will convey his ideas in the most… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
A woman's whole life is a history of the affections. The heart is her world: it is there her ambition strives for empire; it… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Redundancy of language is never found with deep reflection. Verbiage may indicate observation, but not thinking. He who thinks much says but little in… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
History fades into fable; fact becomes clouded with doubt and controversy; the inscription molders from the tablet: the statue falls from the pedestal. Columns,… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image