The author always loads his dice, but he must never let the reader see that he has done so.

There's always one who loves and one who lets himself be loved.

I [Death] was astonished to see him in Baghdad, for I had an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.

The secret of play-writing can be given in two maxims: stick to the point, and, whenever you can, cut.

It takes two to make a love affair and a mans meat is too often a woman's poison.

But the only important thing in a book is the meaning it has for you; it may have other and much more profound meanings for the critic, but at second-hand they can be of small service to you.

The artist can within limits make what he likes of his life... It is only the artist, and maybe the criminal, who can make his own.