• There's more of yourself in a book than a play. that's why we know all about Dickens and not much about Shakespeare. Ben Jonson murdered people; Marlowe was a spy; Shakespeare just sat in the corner and took notes.

    John Mortimer: There's more of yourself in a book than a play.  that's why we know all about Dickens and not much about Shakespeare.  Ben Jonson murdered people; Marlowe was a spy; Shakespeare just sat in the corner and took notes.
    "This much I know". Interview with Jonathan Heawood, www.theguardian.com. May 25, 2002.