Hunt was a poet of charm and technical skill, who developed an interest in politics and poetry. He was an able translator and playwright, Leigh Hunt excelled as an essayist, literary critic, and letter writer. His concern was always to ‘open more widely the door of the library’, to share his literary enthusiasms, and extend his readers’ tastes. This anthology draws on the full range of Hunt’s poetry and prose, revealing a writer committed to the humane and civilizing powers of literature and friendship.
He upset the authorities by pointing out on the front page of every edition of his political journal called the “Examiner”, that half the cost of the price was the result of the government’s “tax on knowledge”. In 1812 Leigh along with his brother John, was arrested and charged with libel after publishing an article criticizing the Prince Regent. The brothers were found guilty and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. (1784-1859)
– James Leigh Hunt Quotes –
The most tangible of all visible mysteries – fire.
~ James Leigh Hunt
When moral courage feels that it is in the right, there is no personal daring of which it is incapable.
~ James Leigh Hunt
Colors are the smiles of nature.
~ James Leigh Hunt
The only place a new hat can be carried into with safety is a church, for there is plenty of room there.
~ James Leigh Hunt
Great woman belong to history and to self sacrifice.
~ James Leigh Hunt
If you are ever at a loss to support a flagging conversation, introduce the subject of eating.
~ James Leigh Hunt
The laughing queen that caught the world’s great hands.
~ James Leigh Hunt
If you ever have to support a flagging conversation, introduce the topic of eating.
~ James Leigh Hunt
Those who have lost an infant are never, in a way, without an infant.
~ James Leigh Hunt
It is books that teach us to refine our pleasures when young, and to recall them with satisfaction when we are old.
~ James Leigh Hunt
Stolen kisses are always sweetest.
~ James Leigh Hunt
Danger for danger’s sake is senseless.
~ James Leigh Hunt
Sympathizing and selfish people are alike, both given to tears.
~ James Leigh Hunt
It flows through old hushed Egypt and its sands, like some grave mighty thought threading a dream.
~ James Leigh Hunt
Whatever evil befalls us, we ought to ask ourselves … how we can turn it into good. So shall we take occasion, from one bitter root, to raise perhaps many flowers.
~ James Leigh Hunt
The same people who can deny others everything are famous for refusing themselves nothing.
~ James Leigh Hunt
Your second-hand bookseller is second to none in the worth of the treasures he dispenses.
~ James Leigh Hunt
Patience and gentleness is power.
~ James Leigh Hunt
The person who can be only serious or only cheerful, is but half a man.
~ James Leigh Hunt
The groundwork of all happiness is health.
~ James Leigh Hunt
There are two worlds: the world we can measure with line and rule, and the world that we feel with our hearts and imagination.
~ James Leigh Hunt
