Books Quote by John Crowley
““And that's the last chapter of the history of the world: in which we create, through the workings of the imagination, a world that is uncreated: that is the work of no author. A world that imagination cannot thereafter alter, not in its deepest workings and its laws, but only envision in new ways; where our elder brothers and sisters, the things, suffer our childish logomantic games with them and wait for us to grow up, and know better; where we do grow up, and do know better.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Book of the River” by John Crowley, 1984
Imagination creates worlds beyond authorial control, inviting readers to reinterpret and evolve them.
In simple terms: Stories live beyond their creators.
Key Takeaway
Embrace collaborative imagination.
Themes
imagination
authorship
interpretation
growth
Mood
thought‑provoking
philosophical
Type
literary
theoretical
When to use this quote
- reading groups
- creative writing
- game design
- education
Key Concepts
post‑structuralism
reader response
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your imagination shape reality?
- What responsibilities do creators have to their audiences?
A Different Perspective
Readers may feel lost without clear guidance.
