Edward Rutherfurd Quotes

Powerful Edward Rutherfurd for Daily Growth

About Edward Rutherfurd

Edward Rutherfurd (born February 6, 1948) is a renowned British-American historical novelist, best known for his epic family saga narratives set in specific cities or regions over centuries. Born in London to Irish parents, Rutherfurd's early life was deeply influenced by the rich cultural heritage surrounding him. His familial roots in Ireland and England have been recurring themes throughout his literary career. After studying at St. Patrick's College in Dublin, he pursued a successful advertising career in London before eventually settling in the United States. However, it was not until his retirement from advertising that he decided to pursue his long-held dream of writing novels. His debut work, "Sarum," published in 1987, depicted the history of Salisbury, England, from prehistoric times through the present day. This novel launched Rutherfurd's career as a prominent historical fiction author. "Riverside" (1990), his second book, explored the history of London through the lives of several families. Following this success, he published "New York" in 1993, chronicling the story of Manhattan from its pre-colonial past to modern times. His subsequent works, such as "Dublin" (1996) and "The Forest" (2004), delved into the histories of Ireland and America's New England region, respectively. Rutherfurd's unique approach to historical fiction is characterized by his extensive research, meticulous attention to detail, and use of a large cast of characters whose intertwined stories create an expansive tapestry of history. His works are celebrated for their compelling narratives, vivid descriptions, and deep exploration of human emotions across different eras. Edward Rutherfurd continues to captivate readers with his immersive historical sagas that seamlessly blend fact and fiction.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Time and place are destiny."

The quote "Time and place are destiny" suggests that the era and location in which we live significantly shape our lives, choices, and ultimately, our destinies. It emphasizes the profound influence of historical context and geographical environment on individual and collective experiences. This perspective encourages us to consider how time and place impact our personal journeys and fosters an appreciation for understanding history and culture to better navigate our own lives.

"We make our histories in the choices we make."

The quote by Edward Rutherfurd emphasizes that individuals play a pivotal role in shaping history. Every choice, big or small, contributes to the trajectory of one's personal history and, indirectly, collective history as well. It suggests that while historical events and circumstances shape us, we have the power to make our own mark on history by making thoughtful and deliberate choices. Ultimately, it underscores the idea that each person has the ability to influence their story, thereby contributing to the broader narrative of humanity.

"The land was a living thing, and it spoke to them of its memories."

The quote suggests that the land is not just an inanimate object or territory, but rather a living entity with its own history and memories. It implies a deep connection between people and the land they inhabit, where the past, present, and future intertwine, creating a sense of shared identity and belonging. The "memories" refer to the historical events, stories, and traditions that have taken place on the land over time, and continue to shape its character as well as those who live upon it. This quote emphasizes the importance of respecting and preserving our environment, as it carries with it a rich tapestry of human experiences and cultural heritage.

"History is not merely the story of great men and great events; it is the collective memory of human experience."

This quote emphasizes that history is more than just a record of significant figures and events. Instead, it encapsulates the collective knowledge and experiences of humanity as a whole. It underscores the idea that every individual has a role in shaping history, and each person's life contributes to our understanding of the past. In essence, it suggests that history is a reflection of our shared human journey, encompassing both triumphs and struggles, and serves as a guiding light for the future.

"In every family there are shadows, secrets kept from one another in the name of love or loyalty, and passed down through the generations like heirlooms, tarnished and misshapen but prized for their mystery and their past."

This quote by Edward Rutherfurd suggests that within families, there are often hidden aspects or events (the "shadows" and "secrets") which may be concealed due to emotional reasons like love or loyalty. These secrets are passed down through generations as if they were family heirlooms, valued for their enigma and historical significance rather than their actual utility or truth. The phrase "tarnished and misshapen" indicates that these secrets may have lost their initial purpose over time and instead become distorted or damaged by being kept hidden.

For centuries my father's family lived on Britain's biggest tidal river, the Severn, on which there was a huge trade with the interior, and through the Port of Bristol with America.

- Edward Rutherfurd

Through, Which, Britain, Centuries

I descend from both Philadelphia Quakers and Carolina colonists whose families were separated by the Revolutionary War. That helped give me insight into the agony of Patriots who, until the British government denied their claims, had always, like Ben Franklin himself, thought of themselves as free-born Englishmen.

- Edward Rutherfurd

Thought, British, Had, Quakers

Writing historical novels can be dangerous. We need to be as accurate and as fair about the historical record as we can be, at the same time as creating our fictional characters and, hopefully, telling a good story. The challenge is weaving the fiction into the history.

- Edward Rutherfurd

Fiction, Good Story, Telling, Fictional

For me, playing music while I write is important. Several of the romantic scenes in 'Paris' were written with Debussy's 'String Quartet,' his 'L'Apres-midi d'une Faune,' or Canteloube's 'Songs of the Auvergne' playing in the background.

- Edward Rutherfurd

String, I Write, Several, String Quartet

Paris. City of love. City of dreams. City of splendor. City of saints and scholars. City of gaiety. Sink of iniquity.

- Edward Rutherfurd

Love, Splendor, Iniquity, Gaiety

I myself was born beside a river - the Avon in Sarum. So when I first encountered New York's great harbor and the Hudson River as a teenager, and came to understand their historic canal and railroad links to the vast spaces of the Midwest, I felt both the thrill of a new adventure and a deep sense of homecoming.

- Edward Rutherfurd

Deep, Thrill, Harbor, Spaces

I first considered writing 'New York' in 1991. I'd been in the city for a decade, was married to an American wife, and sending my children to New York schools. I was even on the board of a coop building. But I wasn't sure how to organize such complex material, and for many years I put the project aside.

- Edward Rutherfurd

City, Decade, Been, Board

All of my career has been an attempt to educate myself and get paid for it.

- Edward Rutherfurd

Myself, Career, Been, Educate

For novelists, the imagination is everything. The trick is to guide one's imagination using research. I love using old maps. When I wrote my novels on London and New York, I found wonderful historical atlases. Paris has the most lavish maps of all.

- Edward Rutherfurd

Love, London, Novelists, Guide

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