James Fenton Quotes

Imitation, if it is not forgery, is a fine thing. It stems from a generous impulse, and a realistic sense of what can and cannot be done.

One does not become a guru by accident.

The lullaby is the spell whereby the mother attempts to transform herself back from an ogre to a saint.

The writing of a poem is like a child throwing stones into a mineshaft. You compose first, then you listen for the reverberation.

When Mr Ackroyd says that in the 18th century, stranglers bit off the noses of their victims, I feel that he probably knows what he is talking about. I just wish he hadn't told me.