[Milton] calls the university "A stony-hearted step-mother."

- Augustine Birrell

There were no books in Eden, and there will be none in heaven

- Augustine Birrell

A poet's soul must contain the perfect shape of all things good, wise and just. His body must be spotless and without blemish, his life pure, his tho…

- Augustine Birrell

Great is bookishness and the charm of books.

- Augustine Birrell

That great dust-heap called 'history'.

- Augustine Birrell

It is the Mass that matters.

- Augustine Birrell

A conventional good read is usually a bad read, a relaxing bath in what we know already. A true good read is surely an act of innovative creation in …

- Augustine Birrell

A great library easily begets affection, which may deepen into love.

- Augustine Birrell

Poetry should be vital--either stirring our blood by its divine movements or snatching our breath by its divine perfection. To do both is supreme glo…

- Augustine Birrell