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

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

If I am doing nothing, I like to be doing nothing to some purpose. That is what leisure means.

God doesn't do notes, either. Did Jesus Christ say, "Can I be excused the Crucifixion?" No!

Definition of a classic: a book everyone is assumed to have read and often thinks they have.

I'm all in favour of free expression provided it's kept rigidly under control.

... Once I start a book I finish it. That was the way one was brought up. Books, bread and butter, mashed potato - one finishes what's on one's plate. That's always been my philosophy.