The Oxford Book of Aphorisms - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 019282015X ISBN 13: 9780192820150

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1987

Synopsis

The dictionary defines "aphorism" as "a short pithy statement or maxim," but beneath this definition lies a wealth of wit and insight to which neither the word nor any brief description can do justice. This delightful anthology demonstrates just how rewarding the aphorism can be and how brilliantly the aphorist can illuminate a hidden truth or reveal the ironies of life.
Whatever the situation, whatever the mood, the reader will find in this international array of aphorisms just the right words to give his or her feeling pungent expression. The classic aphorists--La Bruyère, Nietzsche, both Samuel Butlers, La Rochefoucault, Emerson--are here in abundance, as are the philosophers from the Greeks of Paul Valéry, the social commentators from Edmund Burke to Walter Benjamin. Statesmen and scientists, Olympians and gadflies, mystics and boulevardiers--this collection brings together the most diverse figures, drawing freely on ancients and moderns, on the widsom of East and West, juxtaposing viewpoints as different as those of Jean Cocteau and George Orwell, Ambrose Bierce and Marcus Aurelius, Lord Chesterfield and Elias Canetti. Profound, provocative, and vastly entertaining, The Oxford Book of Aphorisms will lure the reader back to its pages time and again. The book is fully indexed, and wherever possible, sources, dates, and complete names are supplied.

About this title

About the Author

About the Editor:
John Gross, a writer for The New York Times, is the author of The Rise and Fall of the Man of Letters.

Review

`entertaining, thoughtful, splendidly varied' Kinglsey Amis

`And now, from the people who bring you the best anthologies, one of their best anthologies.' Christopher Ricks, Sunday Times

`an admirable collection' Anthony Burgess

`fascinating...[the reader] will experience the delight of having his worst fears for the human race confirmed with brevity and style' Quentin Crisp

`a really splendid book' Observer

`There is...plenty to be discovered in this delightful bedside book.'
Sunday Telegraph

`ideal for insomniacs - endlessly fascinating' Townswoman

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 019282015X
• ISBN 13: 9780192820150
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400