The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

‘Lessons of the War: 3, Unarmed Combat’ (1946)
I think it may justly be said that English women in general are very common diatonic little
numbers.
‘Emily Butler’ (radio play)
Henry has always led what could be called a sedentary life, if only he’d ever got as far as
actually sitting up.
‘Not a Drum was Heard: The War Memoirs of General Gland’ (radio play)
In a civil war, a general must know—and I’m afraid it’s a thing rather of instinct than of
practice—he must know exactly when to move over to the other side.
‘Not a Drum was Heard: The War Memoirs of General Gland’ (radio play)
Gland: I would say it’s somehow redolent, and full of vitality.
Hilda: Well, I would say it’s got about as much life in it as a potted shrimp.
Gland: Well, I think we’re probably both trying to say the same thing in different words.
‘The Primal Scene, as it were’ (radio play)
And the sooner the tea’s out of the way, the sooner we can get out the gin, eh?
‘Private Life of Hilda Tablet’ (1954 radio play) in ‘Hilda Tablet and Others: four pieces for radio’ (1971) p. 60
Of course we’ve all dreamed of reviving the castrati; but it’s needed Hilda to take the first
practical steps towards making them a reality...She’s drawn up a list of well-known singers who
she thinks would benefit...It’s only a question of getting them to agree.
‘Private Life of Hilda Tablet’ (1954 radio play) in ‘Hilda Tablet and Others: four pieces for radio’ (1971) p. 72
Modest? My word, no...He was an all-the-lights-on man.
‘A Very Great Man Indeed’ (radio play)
I have known her pass the whole evening without mentioning a single book, or in fact anything
unpleasant at all.
‘A Very Great Man Indeed’ (radio play)
6.20 John Reed 1887-1920
Ten days that shook the world.
Title of book (1919)
6.21 Joseph Reed 1741-85
I am not worth purchasing, but such as I am, the King of Great Britain is not rich enough to do
it.
US Congress, 11 August 1878, Reed having understood himself to have been offered a bribe on behalf of the
British Crown
6.22 Max Reger 1873-1916
Ich sitze in dem kleinsten Zimmer in meinem Hause. Ich habe Ihre Kritik vor mir. Im nächsten
Augenblick wird sie hinter mir sein.
I am sitting in the smallest room of my house. I have your review before me. In a moment it