100 Quotes

"100 Quotes by Jean Racine" uncovers one of the greatest playwrights of 17th-century France. Famous for the works of "Phèdre", "Andromaque", and "Athalie", Racine’s writings are renowned for their beauty, elegance, and style. Peppered with psychological insight, his quotes invite readers to peek behind the scenes at one of Europe’s most celebrated dramatists - and thinkers - of the age. An ideal book for dipping in and out of, these quotes will provide any reader with food for thought and the tools with which to spark an interesting conversation.

Featuring some of the most brilliant and notable sayings from a revolutionising world, "100 Quotes by Charles Louis de Montesquieu" is the perfect companion for readers looking to be inspired by one of the most influential figures in history. French judge, historian, and political philosopher, Montesquieu remains a leading figure in the French Revolution and a major influence on the Founding Fathers of the United States. Responsible for devising a government separated into branches of power, his political theories remain in practice in many constitutions throughout the world today.

Featuring some of the most brilliant and notable sayings from a revolutionising world, "100 Quotes by Nicolas de Chamfort" paints a vivid mosaic of life during and after the French Revolution. Having thrown himself into the Republican movement and fight to overthrow the last king of France, Chamfort was one of the first to have entered the Bastille as it was triumphantly stormed. Secretary to Louis XVI’s sister and of the notary Jacobin Club, he went on to witness the dawn of a new era with the reign of Marat and Robespierre, underseeing the campaign towards universal men’s suffrage.

Packed with thoughts, reflections, witticisms, and lines from his extensive body of work, "100 Quotes by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais" is a superb read for fans of this accomplished writer. Ideal for dipping in and out of, readers of this collection will find themselves surprised as to how many of his sayings have found their way into modern parlance. A welcome addition to any coffee table.

‘100 Quotes by Lao Tseu’ is a collection of thoughts and reflections by one of the most influential figures in Chinese philosophy. Thoughtful, reflective, and with a focus on personal development, his ideas are food for any hungry soul. An ideal read for those with an interest in philosophy, this book is superb for dipping in and out of, particularly if you’re in search of a drop of practical wisdom. Commonly referred to as the ‘Old Master,’ Lao Tseu (4th century) is thought to have been born in the Hu district, part of the Henan province.

"100 Quotes by Honoré de Balzac" is a collection of writings and thoughts from the French novelist and playwright, Honoré de Balzac. Balzac was known to frequently flit between several "work in progress" writings, and his finished articles were often revised between editions. The way that Balzac wrote is very much reflective of the difficulties in his own life, and perhaps the writer was attempting to stabilise his life through fiction.

100 Quotes by Anne Frank is a poignant collection of thoughts and observations from the world’s most famous diarist. Touching, observational, and often funny, these quotes create a collage of a teenager whose world had been turned upside down. One of the most important documentarians of the Second World War, Frank’s views and feelings are both timeless and aligned with a darker chapter in humanity’s history. A fascinating and thought-provoking read, it's a great addition to any library.

A French political philosopher and politician, Alexis de Tocqueville's works are now considered early examples of sociology and political science. They include many of his famous insights, such as "Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom." and "There are two things which a democratic people will always find very difficult - to begin a war and to end it".

"100 Quotes by Jean Giraudoux" takes readers on a journey behind the scenes of one of the most important French dramatists of the period between World War I and World War II. A novelist, essayist, diplomat, and playwright, Giraudoux’s work features stylistic elegance and poetic fantasy – during a time when the world was far from at ease. An ideal book for dipping in and out of, this must-read collection is ideal for history buffs looking to uncover the greatest thinkers of an unprecedented period. Jean Giraudoux (1882-1944) was a French literary figure of immense might.

"100 Quotes by Marcel Proust" is a compendium of thoughts, observations, and reflections by one of France’s greatest writers. Pithy, witty, barbed, but often touching and thoughtful, readers will discover another dimension to this noted novelist, most famous for his novel "In Search of Lost Time". His philosophy mainly focused on how people should be appreciative of their circumstances. A superb book for dipping in and out of, this will make a welcome addition to any book collection.

Uncover the wisdom from the master of short-form himself, Guy de Maupassant, in this collection of carefully selected quotes. French author and representative of the literary movement "Naturalism", Maupassant’s short stories weave expert observation and reflection with deep social insight. Typically set during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870, he focused on human lives and their fateful destinies. His first published story, "Boule de Suif", remains his most celebrated work today.

"100 Quotes by Paul Valéry" is a collection of thoughts, witticisms, and observations by one of France’s greatest poets. Packed with dry, pithy, and often-touching sayings about subjects such as art, music, letters, and writing, it puts his singular approach to life, front and centre. A superb book for a leisurely browse, this is a welcome addition to any library or coffee table. Although born in Sète, Paul Valéry (1871 – 1945) was raised and educated in Montpellier.

"100 Quotes by Aeschylus" unveils the musings of the originator of tragedy. With topics such as religion, life, love, and death taken to task, Aeschylus offers the 21st-century reader an insight into the thoughts and feelings of the Ancient Greeks. However, what is surprising is just how resonant many of those ideas are today. An outstanding book for those seeking bite-sized nuggets of timeless wisdom. Thought to have been born in Eleusis, Aeschylus (524BC – 456BC) is the subject of both myth and legend. According to the story, at the age of 26, he was working in a vineyard.

"100 Quotes by Edmond and Jules de Goncourt" is a collection of reflections and thoughts by the literary world’s most unexpected collaborators. Touching on everything from religion and the nature of the self to history and poetry, the brothers’ ideas are strikingly similar and timelessly resonant. An ideal book for dipping in and out of, these quotes will provide any reader with food for thought and the tools with which to spark an interesting conversation.

"100 Quotes by Heraclitus of Ephesus" is a superb read for those with an interest in philosophy or the human condition. Insightful, esoteric, and incisive, 21st-century readers will be taken with the relevance of observations made more than 2,500 years ago. Whether you’re looking for philosophical inspiration or to further your self-development, this is a superb book for dipping in and out of. While Heraclitus of Ephesus (535BC – 475BC) might be one of the more enigmatic figures in Greek philosophy, his impact is no less profound.

100 Quotes by Groucho Marx is a collection of quips, thoughts, and reflections by one of comedy’s greatest clowns. From the classic "I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member" to lesser-known one-liners, it’s a superb read for anyone with even the faintest interest in comedic art. The perfect book for dipping in and out of, there are some wisecracks worth committing to memory, alongside some observations into the mind of the man behind the moustache.

"100 Quotes by Pierre Corneille" is a collection of thoughts, witticisms, and observations from one of France’s greatest playwrights. With Corneille’s sharp mind taking centre stage, there are plenty of quotes worth committing to memory. Those familiar with his works will spot lines from his plays, making this a great read for fans of Corneille’s. A welcome addition to any book collection, it’s ideal for dipping in and out of. Considered to be the founder of French tragedy, Pierre Corneille (1606 – 1684) was born in Normandy.

"100 Quotes by Woody Allen" is a compendium of thoughts, sayings, and one-liners from the mind of a man who has worked as a scriptwriter, stand-up comic, actor, and author. Often pithy and shot through with his trademark neurosis, this is a fantastic read for anyone with an interest in comedy and film. An ideal book for dipping in and out of, and one that would be a welcome addition to any library. Heywood ‘Woody’ Allen (1935 – present day) was born Allan Stewart Konigsberg in New York. Allen’s career as a comedy writer began when he was 15 years old.

"100 Quotes by Jules Renard" uncovers the famous French author and member of the literary organisation, Académie Goncourt. Famous for his poems, plays and short stories, his work spans the famous "Poil de carotte". The English novelist Julian Barnes' 2008 memoir "Nothing to be Frightened Of" remains a proud homage to Renard, indicative of his continuous influence. His thoughts and musings transcend the page and can be found around the world, on road signs, as well as in books.

"100 Quotes by Adam Smith" is a selection of thoughts and observations from one of the finest philosophical minds of the 18th century. Smith’s views on religion, morality, and human nature are presented front and centre. However, he wasn’t short of a few witticisms, and there are plenty of one-liners worth committing to memory. A superb book for leisurely browsing, this is a welcome addition to any book collection. Born in Kirkcaldy, Adam Smith (1723–1790) became known as one of the most important philosophers and political economists of the 18th century.