Accounts Quote by James Payn
“It is better, however, for his own reputation that the story-teller should risk a few actions for libel on account of these unfortunate coincidences than that he should adopt the melancholy device of using blanks or asterisks.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Notting Hill Mystery by James Payn, 1865
He suggests using explicit details, even risky ones, preserves credibility better than vague placeholders.
In simple terms: Specifics protect reputation better than blanks.
Key Takeaway
Prefer concrete detail over vague censorship.
Themes
integrity
writing
credibility
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- historical fiction
- editing
- publishing
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
journalism
ethical storytelling
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance truth with potential harm?
- When is omission preferable to detail?
A Different Perspective
Risking libel can still damage reputation if unverified.
