Charles Edward Montague
Charles Edward Montague
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Charles Edward Montague was born on October 16, 1864, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He is often referred to as C.E. Montague.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: October 16, 1864
Died: December 28, 1928
Nationality and Profession(s)
Montague was a British journalist, writer, and critic. He worked as the theatre critic for The Nation magazine in London and was also a prominent figure in the literary world of his time.
Early Life and Background
Charles Edward Montague was born into an Anglican family in Newcastle upon Tyne. His father was a clergyman, which likely influenced Montague's early interest in literature and writing. From a young age, he was drawn to the world of words and ideas, and he went on to study at King's College in Cambridge.
Major Accomplishments
Montague's contributions to British literature are considerable. He is perhaps best known for his novel "Rough Justice," which was published in 1915. This work explores themes of pacifism, social justice, and the human cost of war. Montague's writing often combined elements of satire, realism, and intellectual curiosity, making him a significant figure in the literary landscape of early 20th-century England.
Notable Works or Actions
Montague's notable works include:
Rough Justice (1915) - A novel that critiques British society during World War I
The Letters of Charles Edward Montague (1922) - A collection of his personal correspondence, offering insight into his life and literary career
* "War Correspondent" articles in The Nation magazine - Montague's reporting from the front lines of World War I showcased his courage, wit, and incisive analysis
Impact and Legacy
Montague's legacy as a writer, critic, and thinker has endured long after his death. His commitment to social justice, pacifism, and literary excellence helped shape the cultural and intellectual landscape of early 20th-century England. Montague's influence can be seen in the work of later writers and thinkers who shared similar values and concerns.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Charles Edward Montague is widely quoted and remembered for his biting wit, sharp intellect, and unflinching critique of societal norms. His writing continues to offer valuable insights into the complexities of human nature, the consequences of war, and the importance of social responsibility. Today, his quotes are often used in academic and literary contexts to illustrate key themes and ideas.
Montague's enduring relevance is a testament to his skill as a writer, thinker, and observer of the human experience. His legacy serves as a reminder that literature can be both an expression of artistic vision and a powerful tool for social commentary.
Quotes by Charles Edward Montague

The number of medals on an officer's breast varies in inverse proportion to the square of the distance of his duties from the front line.

There is no limit to what a man can do so long as he does not care a straw who gets the credit for it.

To be amused by what you read – that is the great spring of happy quotations.

The number of medals on an officer’s breast varies in inverse proportion to the square of the distance of his duty from the front line.

Burgundy was the winiest wine, the central, essential, and typical wine, the soul and greatest common measure of all the kindly wines of the earth.


Take delight in a thing, or rather in anything, not as a means to some other end, but just because it is what it is. A child in the full health of his mind will put his hand flat on the summer lawn, feel it, and give a little shiver of private glee at the elastic firmness of the globe.

A gifted small girl has explained that pins are a great means of saving life, "by not swallowing them.

To possess your soul in patience, with all the skin and some of the flesh burnt off your face and hands, is a job for a boy compared with the pains of a man who has lived pretty long in the exhilarating world that drugs or strong waters seem to create and is trying to live now in the first bald desolation created by knocking them off.

A lie will easily get you out of a scrape, and yet, strangely and beautifully, repute possesses you when you have taken the scrape and left out the lie.