On the Art of Writing

On the Art of Writing
Lectures delivered in the University of Cambridge 1913-1914

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On the Art of Writing by Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch

Published:

1916

Pages:

188

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2,899

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On the Art of Writing
Lectures delivered in the University of Cambridge 1913-1914

By

0
(0 Reviews)

Book Excerpt

ting upon, the first place for this absolute study of a great work I use no disrespect towards those learned scholars whose labours will help you, Gentlemen, to enjoy it afterwards in other ways and from other aspects; since I hold there is no surer sign of intellectual ill-breeding than to speak, even to feel, slightingly of any knowledge oneself does not happen to possess. Still less do I aim to persuade you that anyone should be able to earn a Cambridge degree by the process (to borrow Macaulay's phrase) of reading our great authors 'with his feet on the hob,' a posture I have not even tried, to recommend it for a contemplative man's recreation. These editors not only set us the priceless example of learning for learning's sake: but even in practice they clear our texts for us, and afterwards--when we go more minutely into our author's acquaintance, wishing to learn all we can about him--by increasing our knowledge of detail they enchance our delight. Nay, with certain early writers--say Chaucer o

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