Meaning: Leslie Charteris, the author of the quote, is best known for creating the character Simon Templar, also known as "The Saint," a charismatic and adventurous figure who appeared in a series of novels and short stories. In this quote, Charteris reflects on his body of work, acknowledging that there are certain pieces that he does not believe are worth preserving. He mentions that he has made efforts to eliminate these works from the public record by refusing permission for their reprinting and attempting to make them difficult to find.

Charteris' decision to disown certain works reflects a common dilemma faced by many authors and artists. As creators, they often produce a substantial body of work, not all of which may meet their own standards of quality or relevance. In Charteris' case, he seems to have concluded that some of his early writings, including four novels and a collection of short stories, did not meet the standard he set for himself as a writer. This sentiment is not uncommon among writers, who may look back on their earlier works with a critical eye and a desire to distance themselves from pieces they feel do not represent their best efforts.

The decision to refuse requests for reprinting and make the undesired works hard to unearth can be seen as an attempt by Charteris to exercise control over his legacy as an author. This reflects the tension that many artists face between the desire for creative freedom and the public's interest in their oeuvre. While readers and scholars may be curious about an author's lesser-known works, the author themselves may feel a need to protect their reputation and artistic integrity by disavowing certain pieces.

Charteris' approach to dealing with his less favored works also raises questions about the nature of artistic output and the role of creators in shaping their own legacies. By actively seeking to suppress these works, Charteris is asserting his authority over his own artistic output, even after it has been released to the public. This raises intriguing questions about the responsibilities and rights of artists to control how their work is presented and remembered.

In the broader context of literary history, Charteris' decision to distance himself from certain works is not unique. Many authors have sought to suppress or disown earlier writings that they felt did not reflect their true artistic vision. This phenomenon underscores the complexities of creative expression and the evolving nature of an artist's relationship with their own work over time.

Ultimately, Charteris' quote offers a glimpse into the inner workings of a prolific writer grappling with the legacy of his own creative output. It speaks to the tensions and challenges that artists face in navigating their relationships with their own work and the public's perception of their artistic contributions. While some may view Charteris' actions as a form of self-censorship, others may see it as a legitimate expression of an artist's desire to shape their own artistic legacy. In either case, it provides valuable insight into the complexities of creative expression and the ongoing dialogue between artists and their own work.