Mark my words, when a society has to resort to the lavatory for its humour, the writing is on the wall.

Never read the Bible as if it means something. Or at any rate don't try and mean it. Nor prayers. The liturgy is best treated and read as if it's someone announcing the departure of trains.

One reads for pleasure...it is not a public duty.

Above literature?' said the Queen. 'Who is above literature? You might as well say one was above humanity.

I've never forgotten that experience. But I had nobody at school that was either like Hector or Irwin. The masters had no idea what was expected of you in the scholarship exam, so you just had to busk it really.

A book is a device to ignite the imagination.

One recipe for happiness is to have to sense of entitlement.' To this she added a star and noted at the bottom of the page: 'This is not a lesson I have ever been in a position to learn.