Quotes from Wilbur Smith

I was struck with the consuming terror that the miser must feel for his hoard. It was so vulnerable.

happiness cannot last, he thought. It is too intense.

voice even and his expression neutral. He didn't want to declare his sentiments until he had heard Harrison out. 'When he came to power, President Taffari sent for this woman. She was working in the forest at the time. He explained to her his plans for the advancement and development

toughening-up process

When two people are in love, few things on earth are as fascinating to them as their love itself.

pillory raised up on a wooden pole, so that all the

ford.' He turned to Saul. 'I'm going to take

relinquish him. From then

reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the

Nevertheless, I had recommended a diet of bull's testicles fried in honey and counselled him to find the most beautiful virgin in Egypt and take her to his marriage-bed within a year of the first flowering of her woman's moon.

Then he saw Dirk's eyes and dropped his chin. 'Please,' he mumbled. Dirk chuckled. 'Off you go and do your sums, both of you, add up the money. Don't worry about a thing.' He helped them from their seats, a hand on each shoulder, and shepherded them towards the

I write my books in my head, and not in a specific study with a view. The view is from my inner eyes.

I've been associated with Macmillan for over 45 years. I'd like to thank them for their continued commitment to my backlist and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they publish my next novel, 'Vicious Circle' in 2013.

Many people have compared me to the Victorian adventure writer, Rider Haggard. I accept that as a compliment. As a boy growing up in Central Africa I read all Haggard's African novels.

I never set out to write literature; I set out to tell stories. And some of my work may be very raunchy and very bloodthirsty - but life, for me, is a violent thing.

Sometimes it is best for men not to attempt to interfere with destiny. Our prayers can be answered in ways which we do not expect and do not welcome.