Book Quote by Charles Lamb
“Books of quick interest, that hurry on for incidents are for the eye to glide over only. It will not do to read them out. I could never listen to even the better kind of modern novels without extreme irksomeness.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays of Elia, 1823
Lamb criticizes shallow, fast‑moving books that lack depth, suggesting they are only for superficial reading and not for deep engagement.
In simple terms: Superficial books are for quick glancing, not deep reading.
Key Takeaway
Seek works that demand thoughtful attention.
Themes
literature
criticism
reading habits
depth
superficiality
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
literary criticism
When to use this quote
- academic study
- personal reading choices
- literary criticism
- book clubs
Key Concepts
Aesthetic judgment
literary value
attention span
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prefer depth over entertainment?
- How do you balance reading speed with comprehension?
A Different Perspective
Such quick‑interest books may still provide pleasure despite lacking depth.
