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Clive James Quotes

Author

Clive James, born on October 7, 1939, is an Australian author, critic, and broadcaster. His works span poetry, fiction, essays, and literary criticism, known for their unique humor and insightful observations.

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Famous Clive James Quotes

“In the twelfth century the Basque fishermen of Biarritz used to hunt whales with deadly efficiency. When the whales sensibly moved away, the Basques chased them further and further, with the consequence that the fishermen of Biarritz discovered America before Columbus did. This is a matter for local pride but on a larger view it is not quite so stunning, since with the possible exception of the Swiss everybody discovered America before Columbus did.”

Matter America Used Views History Century Humour Pride Consequence Moved Locals Exception Efficiency Hunts Whales Fisherman Stunning Columbus Swiss Basques

Book:Flying Visits

Source: Flying Visits

“A life without fame can be a good life, but fame without a life is no life at all.”

World Wisdom America Life Is Modern Fame Classic Good Life Modern World

Author:Clive James

“Everyone has a right to a university degree in America, even if it's in Hamburger Technology.”

Ifs America Technology College Degrees University Culinary Graduation Hamburgers Colleges And Universities University Degrees

Author:Clive James

“The streets, at least in this part of town, seemed impossibly clean in comparison to London. The public telephones were unvandalised. For a London telephone booth to look like that it would have to be guarded around the clock by the SAS.”

World Looks America Streets Modern Towns Clean London Clock Comparison Telephones Modern World Guarded

Book:Flying Visits

Source: Flying Visits

“In between the Queen and the First Lady, Nancy Reagan, sat Tony Richardson, looking very calm. Later on it emerged that this was because, having not been apprised of the placement until he was about to sit down, he had died of fright. To have expired was to be fortunate.”

World Firsts America Modern Died Calm Fortunate Queens Sat Modern World Fright First Lady Nancy Placement Expired

Book:Snakecharmers In Texas

Source: Snakecharmers In Texas

“"Nationwide" featured an amazing collection of apprentice impersonators. From all over Britain, schoolchildren materialised via local studios to give us their imitations of the mighty. There were at least three uncannily accurate Margaret Thatchers, their eyelids fatigued with condescension and their voices swooping and whining like dive-bombers.”

Source: The Crystal Bucket

About the Author

Born: October 7, 1939
Known for: Author
Quotes: 145

Books & Sources

The Complete Unreliable MemoirsRelated source material

Glued to the box: television criticism from the Observer, 1979-82Related source material

Always Unreliable: MemoirsRelated source material

Cultural Amnesia: Necessary Memories from History and the ArtsRelated source material

Flying VisitsRelated source material

The Crystal BucketRelated source material

May Week Was In JuneRelated source material

Snakecharmers In TexasRelated source material

Clive James On TelevisionRelated source material

Poetry Notebook: 2006–2014Related source material

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