A lot of my time is spent reading antique or out-of-print books of reference.

When I was nine I spent a lot of my time reading books about the history of comedy, or listening to the Goons or Hancock, humour from previous generations.

A house without books is like room without windows

Maybe reading was just a way to make her feel less alone, to keep her company. When you read something you are stopped, the moment is stayed, you can sometimes be there more fully than you can in your real life.

90 percent of my time is spent on 10 percent of the world.

When I was growing up I spent a lot of time reading about ancient China and was really fascinated.