The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

‘Northanger Abbey’ (1818) ch. 34 (Henry Tilney)
Sir Walter Elliot, of Kellynch-hall, in Somersetshire, was a man who, for his own amusement,
never took up any book but the Baronetage; there he found occupation for an idle hour, and
consolation in a distressed one.
‘Persuasion’ (1818) ch. 1
She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older—the
natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.
‘Persuasion’ (1818) ch. 4
She ventured to hope he did not always read only poetry; and to say, that she thought it was the
misfortune of poetry, to be seldom safely enjoyed by those who enjoyed it completely; and that
the strong feelings while alone could estimate it truly, were the very feelings which ought to taste
it but sparingly.
‘Persuasion’ (1818) ch. 11
‘My idea of good company, Mr Elliot, is the company of clever, well-informed people, who
have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.’
‘You are mistaken,’ said he gently, ‘that is not good company, that is the best.’
‘Persuasion’ (1818) ch. 16 (Anne Elliot and William Elliot)
Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so
much higher a degree; the pen has been in their hands.
‘Persuasion’ (1818) ch. 23 (Anne Eliot)
All the privilege I claim for my own sex...is that of loving longest, when existence or when
hope is gone.
‘Persuasion’ (1818) ch. 23 (Anne Eliot)
It was, perhaps, one of those cases in which advice is good or bad only as the event decides.
‘Persuasion’ (1818) ch. 23
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must
be in want of a wife.
‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813) ch. 1.
May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are
the result of previous study?
‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813) ch. 14 (Mr Bennet)
Mr Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth—and it was soon done—done while Mrs
Bennet was stirring the fire.
‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813) ch. 15
From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents.—Your mother will never see you
again if you do not marry Mr Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.
‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813) ch. 20 (Mr Bennet)
Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?
‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813) ch. 56 (Lady Catherine de Burgh)
You ought certainly to forgive them as a christian, but never to admit them in your sight, or