Literary Birthday – 28 August – Robertson Davies

Robertson Davies was born 28 August 1913, and died 2 December 1995.

10 Quotes

Extraordinary people survive under the most terrible circumstances and they become more extraordinary because of it.
The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.
Authors like cats because they are such quiet, lovable, wise creatures, and cats like authors for the same reasons.
The great book for you is the book that has the most to say to you at the moment when you are reading. I do not mean the book that is most instructive, but the book that feeds your spirit. And that depends on your age, your experience, your psychological and spiritual need.
The most original thing a writer can do is write like himself. It is also his most difficult task.
I never heard of anyone who was really literate or who ever really loved books who wanted to suppress any of them.
A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen by morning light, at noon and by moonlight.
The love of truth lies at the root of much humour.
To be a book-collector is to combine the worst characteristics of a dope fiend with those of a miser.
Do not suppose, however, that I intend to urge a diet of classics on anybody. I have seen such diets at work. I have known people who have actually read all, or almost all, the guaranteed Hundred Best Books. God save us from reading nothing but the best.

Robertson Davies was a Canadian novelist, playwright, critic, journalist, and professor. He was one of Canada’s best-known and most popular authors. His works include The Salterton Trilogy and The Cornish Trilogy. He was a Companion of the Order of Canada, an Honorary Fellow of Balliol, and received many honorary degrees.