Review by Choice Review
"That joke was lost on the foreigner--guides cannot master the subtleties of the American joke," is just one of the entries from Mark Twain in this collection of almost 5,000 quotations from approximately 800 individuals. Although contemporary readers may find that, like Twain's foreigner, some of the entries are lost on them, they are sure to find something to make them grin as they browse sections dedicated to "America and Americans," "Food and Drink," "Men and Women," and "Hypocrisy." Topics are alphabetically arranged, and under each topic quotes appear in chronological order. Entries are pulled from literature, broadcasts, songs, graffiti, advertisements, and other sources. An overwhelmingly British and American collection, here are Oscar Wilde on marriage, Lord Byron on children, Roseanne on God, and Dan Quayle on losing one's mind. Access to entries is provided through author and keyword indexes, as well as see and see also references among the topics. Citations provide author's name, birth and death dates, date of the quotation or its source, and brief contextual information if necessary. Enjoyable to browse and of use to those looking for an amusing quote to liven up a presentation. All levels. E. Carroll American University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Cleverly edited by Sherrin, a writer, satirist, and presenter of BBC Radio 4's Loose Ends, a weekly satirical gathering of international news, this unique, single-volume work is both a compendium of quotes and also a great browsing book for people fascinated with language. From an international group of writers, humorists, actors, and public figures, Sherrin has collected almost 6000 quotes, some witty puns and one-liners and some possibly insulting. Along with traditional favorites such as Mark Twain, Mae West, and Shakespeare, this new edition updates the 1996 edition with more contemporary figures, such as Madonna, Jay Leno, and Mick Jagger. About 800 new quotations have been added, and some material has been cut. The themes are arranged alphabetically, from "Actors" to "Youth," and citations sourced from movies, plays, novels, literature, songs, radio programs, and many other places provide the author's name, birth and death dates, source of quote, and context. While some entries may seem "foreign" to a U.S. audience, most readers will find something to chuckle about as they browse. Covering a wide range of themes, authors, and time periods, this source is excellent for public speakers, writers, trivia buffs, and those who love to laugh. Highly recommended for medium-sized and larger libraries. Highly recommended. Bobbie Wrinkle, McCracken Cty. P.L., Paducah, KY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by School Library Journal Review
YAOne liners, insults, puns, and all manner of clever, witty, and hilariously funny quotes are included in this book. It's a great source for public speakers, writers, trivia buffs, browsers, and anyone who loves a laugh. Who, what, and when information is provided for each entry as well as a keyword and an author index. The 5,000 quotes cover a wide range of themes and time periods. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Library Journal Review
Review by School Library Journal Review
