As writers become more numerous, it is natural for readers to become more indolent.

One writer, for instance, excels at a plan or a title page, another works away at the body of the book, and a third is a dab at an index.

Good people all, with one acord, Lament for Madame Blaize, Who never wanted a good word - From those who spoke her praise.

For he who fights and runs away May live to fight another day; But he who is in battle slain Can never rise and fight again.

You hear all this whining going on, 'Where are our great writers?' The thing I might feel doleful about is: Where are the readers?

'Lisey?' Amanda asked. Her brow was deeply furrowed. 'I'm sorry,' Lisey said. 'I just kind of...went off there for a second'. 'You often do,' Amanda said. 'I t…

Does there, I wonder, exist a being who has read all, or approximately all, that the person of average culture is supposed to have read, and that not to have r…