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Kingsley Amis

Kingsley Amis Quotes

Novelist

Kingsley Amis was a celebrated British novelist known for his sharp wit and incisive social commentary. His works often delved into the complexities of modern life, particularly in the post-war era. Amis's writing style was characterized by its sharp dialogue and satirical tone, which won him a dedicated following among readers and critics.

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Famous Kingsley Amis Quotes

“I've been trying to write for as long as I can remember. But those first fifteen years didn't produce much of great interest. I mean, it embarrasses me very much to look back on my early poems--very few lines of any merit at all and lots of affectation. But there were quite a lot of them. That's a point in one's favor.”

Writing Trying Years Firsts Looks Mean Long I Can Remember Interest Lines Produce Favors Merit Fifteen Fifteen Years

Author:Kingsley Amis

“To refer even in passing to unpublished or struggling authors and their problems is to put oneself at some risk, so I will say here and now that any unsolicited manuscripts or typescripts sent to me will be destroyed unread. You must make your way yourself. Why you should be so set on the nearly always disappointing profession is a puzzling question.”

Way Should Writing Problem Struggle Risk Oneself Profession Passing Passings Destroyed Here And Now Disappointing Manuscripts Puzzling

Book:The Amis collection: selected non-fiction, 1954-1990

Source: The Amis collection: selected non-fiction, 1954-1990

“I once wrote deduceable instead of deducible in a book, though nobody then or since has taken me up on it. A small point as they go, perhaps, but Rule I of writing acceptably is to get everything right as far as you can, and in this case I had neglected to.”

Writing Book Cases Taken Neglected

Author:Kingsley Amis

“If you can't annoy somebody, there is little point in writing.”

Ifs Writing Littles Annoying Editing Writers And Writing Writing By Writers Inspiration To Write

Author:Kingsley Amis

“When I find someone I respect writing about an edgy, nervous wine that dithered in the glass, I cringe. When I hear someone I don't respect talking about an austere, unforgiving wine, I turn a bit austere and unforgiving myself. When I come across stuff like that and remember about the figs and bananas, I want to snigger uneasily. You can call a wine red, and dry, and strong, and pleasant. After that, watch out.”

Want Writing Remember Turns Strong Stuff Bits Talking Watches Red Wine Glasses Nervous Pleasant Dry Bananas Edgy Cringe Figs Unforgiving Vino

Author:Kingsley Amis

About the Author

Born: April 16, 1922
Died: October 22, 1995
Known for: Novelist
Quotes: 86

Related Topics

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Books & Sources

Lucky JimRelated source material

Everyday Drinking: The Distilled Kingsley AmisRelated source material

The Green ManRelated source material

Jake's ThingRelated source material

The Amis collection: selected non-fiction, 1954-1990Related source material

Collected Poems: 1944-1979Related source material

MemoirsRelated source material

One Fat EnglishmanRelated source material

The King's EnglishRelated source material

Amis CollectionRelated source material

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