A presentation copy...is a copy of a book whoch does not sell, sent you by the author, with his foolish autograph at the beginning of it; for which, if a stranger, he only demands your friendship; if a brother author, he expects from you a book of yours, which does not sell, in return.
More from Charles Lamb
A pun is a pistol let off at the ear; not a feather to tickle the intellect.
Permalink to quote #43 The good things of life are not to be had singly, but come to us with a mixture.
Permalink to quote #45 Your absence of mind we have borne, till your presence of body came to be called in question by it.
Permalink to quote #42