“The materials of the novelist must be real; they must be gathered from the field of humanity by his actual observation.”
Other Goldwin Smith Quotes
Whatever things may have been in their origin, they are what they are, both in themselves and in regard to their indications respecting other beings or influences the existence of which may be implied in theirs.
Goldwin Smith 
62% of people like this quote
The natural barriers between England and Scotland were not sufficient to prevent the extension of the Saxon settlements and kingdoms across the border.
Goldwin Smith
59% of people like this quote
There are the manufacturing multitudes of England; they must have work, and find markets for their work; if machines and the Black Country are ugly, famine would be uglier still.
Goldwin Smith
57% of people like this quote
If it were a real effort to live in the Middle Ages, your life would be one perpetual prevarication.
Goldwin Smith
57% of people like this quote