“To slave, to devote oneself, to have the highest imaginable sense of duty–these were excellent things, things of great merit. Merit–solid worth: it was unavailing against the sudden flash and bang, the inexplicable manifestation of talent. People did not easily forgive it that to you, not to them, had the gift been given.”
William Haggard, Slow Burner
Terry Teachout on the arts in New York City
