James Payn
James Payn
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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James Payn was a British author and journalist, whose full name is sometimes rendered as James Henry Le Fanu Payn.
Birth and Death Dates
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Payn was born on January 31, 1858, in London, England. He passed away on March 1, 1898, at the age of forty.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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James Payn was a British national by birth and a writer by profession. His work spanned multiple genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and journalism.
Early Life and Background
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Payn's early life is somewhat shrouded in mystery. However, it is known that he came from a literary family. His mother, Louisa Jane Le Fanu, was the sister of the famous author J.S. Le Fanu, whose works include _In a Glass Darkly_ and _Uncle Silas_. This familial connection likely influenced Payn's decision to pursue a career in writing.
Payn received his education at Harrow School before attending Trinity College, Cambridge. During his time at university, he developed a passion for literature and journalism. After graduating from Cambridge, Payn began working as a journalist, contributing articles to various publications under pseudonyms such as 'A. G. W.' and 'J.H.L.P.'
Major Accomplishments
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Payn's writing career was marked by numerous accomplishments, including:
Payn published several novels, many of which were serialized in magazines before being released in book form.
He also wrote short stories, often featuring themes of mystery and suspense.
As a journalist, Payn contributed to various publications, including _The Graphic_ magazine.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Payn's most notable works include:
"By Conduct and by Force" (1889), a novel that explores the complexities of life at an English public school.
* "A Question of Attraction" (1891), another novel that delves into themes of love, family, and identity.
Impact and Legacy
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Payn's work had a significant impact on the literary landscape during his lifetime. His writing style, which blended elements of mystery, suspense, and social commentary, influenced many other authors of the period. Payn's legacy extends beyond his own works, however, as he also contributed to the development of the British mystery genre.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Payn is widely remembered for his contributions to literature, particularly in the genres of mystery and suspense. His work continues to be studied and admired by scholars and readers alike, ensuring that James Payn remains a significant figure in the world of British literature.
As you explore this website's collection of quotes from notable figures, keep an eye out for wisdom attributed to James Payn.
Quotes by James Payn

A man with an invention on which he has spent his life, but has no means to get it developed for the good of humanity – or even patented for himself – must feel the pinch of poverty very acutely.

One would think that in writing about literary men and matters there would be no difficulty in finding a title for one’s essay, or that any embarrassment which might arise would be from excess of material. I find this, however, far from being the case.

Cultivating literature as I do upon a little oatmeal, and driving, when in a position to be driven at all, in that humble vehicle, the ’bus, I have had, perhaps, exceptional opportunities for observing their mutual position and behaviour; and it is very peculiar.

There are, it is true, at present no great prizes in literature such as are offered by the learned professions, but there are quite as many small ones – competences; while, on the other hand, it is not so much of a lottery.

A man with an invention on which he has spent his life, but has no means to get it developed for the good of humanity - or even patented for himself - must feel the pinch of poverty very acutely.

It is better, however, for his own reputation that the story-teller should risk a few actions for libel on account of these unfortunate coincidences than that he should adopt the melancholy device of using blanks or asterisks.

To the truly benevolent mind, indeed, nothing is more satisfactory than to hear of a miser denying himself the necessaries of life a little too far and ridding us of his presence altogether.

The idea of bringing young people up to Literature is doubtless calculated to raise the eyebrows almost as much as the suggestion of bringing them up to the Stage.

