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Barbara Tuchman

Barbara Tuchman Quotes

Historian

Barbara Tuchman was an American historian renowned for her in-depth research and vivid narrative style. Her works covered historical events from the Roman Empire to the 20th century, with 'Guns, Germs, and Steel' and 'The Guns of August' being particularly notable.

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Famous Barbara Tuchman Quotes

“I have always been in a condition in which I cannot not write.”

Writing Conditions

Author:Barbara Tuchman

“An essential element for good writing is a good ear: One must listen to the sound of one's own prose.”

Writing Sound Essentials Elements Ears Prose Good Writing

Author:Barbara Tuchman

“I want the reader to turn the page and keep on turning to the end.”

Want Writing Ends Turns Reader Pages

Book:Practicing History: Selected Essays

Source: Practicing History: Selected Essays

“Nothing is more satisfying than to write a good sentence.”

Writing Sentences Satisfying

Book:Practicing History: Selected Essays

Source: Practicing History: Selected Essays

“Nothing is more satisfying than to write a good sentence. It is no fun to write lumpishly, dully, in prose the reader must plod through like wet sand. But it is a pleasure to achieve, if one can, a clear running prose that is simple yet full of surprises. This does not just happen. It requires skill, hard work, a good ear, and continued practice.”

Ifs Writing Doe Hard Happens Running Fun Simple Pleasure Practice Clear Achieve Hard Work Reader Skills Ears Surprise Sentences Crafts Prose Sand Satisfying Wet

Book:Practicing History: Selected Essays

Source: Practicing History: Selected Essays

“If I had taken a doctoral degree, it would have stifled any writing capacity.”

Ifs Writing Taken Degrees Capacity

Author:Barbara Tuchman