Queries & Comments

Pascal, Not G. B. Shaw, on Prolixity

Your insightful and informative review of The Anchor Bible Dictionary, (see Books in Brief, BAR 18:05), suggested George Bernard Shaw as the source of the quote: “I would have written you a shorter letter, but I didn’t have time.” Actually the statement should be credited to Blaise Pascal: In his Lettres Provinciales (1657), the French mathematician and theologian wrote, “I have made this letter longer than usual, only because I have not had the time to make it shorter.”

I mention this not to be pedantic, but to stress that I find the “Books in Brief” reviews—no matter what their length—to be a rewarding read. On the other hand, a little innocent prolixity is easily forgiven whether it comes from Pascal, or Shaw, or the Anchor Bible editors, or even from one of your deadline-stressed reviewers. My compliments on a quality journal.

Controversial Book Review