Books Quote by James Payn

Literature is one of those realms in which giving out prizes can seem not merely dubious but positively obtuse.

— Ben Dolnick

Generally, literary prizes are significant not for who the winner is but the discussion they create around books.

— Richard Flanagan

In the world of literature, I see prizes as more of a duty to the craft itself, rather than as something for the individual.

— Wole Soyinka

All prizes have a role, if they are run with integrity and with a clear focus on reading and quality writing. I don't think…

— Kate Mosse

There are very few institutions that give prizes to people who may not have got to be number one, but are possibly better at…

— Desmond Tutu

Reading, conversation, environment, culture, heroes, mentors, nature – all are lottery tickets for creativity. Scratch away at them and you’ll find out how big…

— Twyla Tharp

I'm not sure that the culture of literary prizes is always a good thing, but while there are literary prizes, it's nice to be…

— Sally Rooney

But few prize honour more than money.

— Sallust

We need prizes as publishers... to focus attention on books, for people to know what to go look for. But often in my opinion…

— Jonathan W. Galassi

I believe that prizes are useful things for the disciplines, whether we are talking about chemistry or we're talking... It motivates, it, you know,…

— Wole Soyinka

There is something so arbitrary about prizes.

— Steve Toltz

The effect of prizes on one's career - if that is what to call it - is considerable, since they give one more clout…

— John Banville