Viva la Repartee: Clever Comebacks and Witty Retorts from History's Great Wits and Wordsmiths - Hardcover

Grothe, Dr. Mardy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060789484 ISBN 13: 9780060789480

Publisher: Harper, 2005

Synopsis

For most of us, that perfect retort or witty reply often escapes us when we need it most, only to come to mind with perfect clarity when it's too late to be useful. The twentieth-century writer Heywood Broun described this all-too-common phenomenon when he wrote "Repartee is what we wish we'd said."

In Viva la Repartee, Dr. Mardy Grothe, author of Oxymoronica, has lovingly assembled a collection of masterfully composed -- and perfectly timed -- replies that have turned the tables on opponents and adversaries. This delightful volume is a celebration of the most impressive retorts, ripostes, rejoinders, comebacks, quips, ad-libs, bon mots, off-the-cuff comments, wisecracks, and other clever remarks ever to come out of the mouths -- and from the pens -- of people throughout history. Touching on all areas of human endeavor, including politics, the arts, literature, sports, relationships, and even the risqué, the book features contributions from Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Dorothy Parker, Mae West, Groucho Marx, Winston Churchill, Dolly Parton, and scores more.

As entertaining as it is intellectually enriching, Viva la Repartee is sure to capture the attention of language lovers and is the perfect antidote for anyone who's ever thought I wish I'd said that!

About this title

About the Author:

 Dr. Mardy Grothe is a retired psychologist, management consultant, and platform speaker; the author of six books on words and language; the creator of Dr. Mardy’s Dictionary of Metaphorical Quotations; and one of America’s most beloved quotation anthologists. He lives in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with his wife, Katherine Robinson.

Review:

“Mardy Grothe’s exquisite collection of retorts, ripostes, and rebuffs celebrates language in its most clever, precise, and hilarious form.” (-- Richard Lederer, author of Anguished English)

“If words could be weapons, this book is a collection of weapons of mass delectation.” (-- Anu Garg, author of Another Word A Day)

“It’s a must for anyone who loves a quick word from a quick wit.” (-- Erin McKean, editor of Verbatim: The Language Quarterly)

“A glittering display of comebacks and put-downs from the funniest people on earth.” (-- Robert Byrne, compiler of The 2,548 Best Things Anybody Ever Said)

“Viva La Repartee is a spectacular feast of the most brilliant retorts and wittiest zingers ever delivered.” (-- Don Hauptman, author of Cruel and Unusual Puns and Acronymania)

“A joyously fun compendium of wit and one-upmanship by the world’s great riposte artists....A brilliant stocking stuffer.” (Forbes FYI)

“If you’ve ever delivered a razor-sharp riposte or rebuff...you’ll savor this collection.” (Hartford Courant)

“Ever wish you could wow people with your wit? Viva la Repartee, by Mardy Grothe, tells you how. ” (Dallas Morning News)

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0060789484
• ISBN 13: 9780060789480
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304