Page:Stevenson - The Art of Writing (1905).djvu/61

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II


THE MORALITY OF THE PROFESSION OF LETTERS[1]


The profession of letters has been lately debated in the public prints; and it has been debated, to put the matter mildly, from a point of view that was calculated to surprise high-minded men, and bring a general contempt on books and reading. Some time ago, in particular, a lively, pleasant, popular writer[2] devoted an essay, lively and pleasant like himself, to a very encouraging view of the profession. We may be glad that his experience is so cheering, and we may hope that all others, who

  1. First published in the Fortnightly Review, April 1881.
  2. Mr. James Payn.

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