Start with 'a great appetite for the curious'

 

“One of the most adventurous things left us is to go to bed. For no one can lay a hand on our dreams.” – E. V. Lucas

 

Born in Eltham, England on this date in 1868, Lucas was a humorist, essayist, playwright, biographer, publisher, poet, novelist, short story writer and editor.  Despite that massive resumé, he achieved  most acclaim as editor of the works (and biographer) of Charles Lamb, and for his  decades-long contributions to the British humor magazine Punch.

 

Considered one of the greatest humorists of the first half of the 20^th century, Lucas “. . . had a great appetite for the curious, the human, and the ridiculous,” said fellow wrier Frank Swinnerton.  “If he were offered a story, an incident or an absurdity, his mind instantly shaped it with wit and form.”  

 

His 150-plus titles include Life of Charles Lamb, considered the seminal work on the author; several novels, biographies and plays; 30 collections of light essays; and dozens of travel books and books about painters.   Of the last he said, “I know very little about pictures, but I like to write about them for the benefit of those who know less.”

 

“The art of life is to show your hand,” Lucas said.  “There is no diplomacy like candor. You may lose by it now and then, but it will be a loss well gained if you do.”