A witty and erudite collection of human folly, foible and acts of stupidity.
Illustrated with many unusual and quirky images.
Featured in a recent New York Times article.

"An illustrated hodgepodge of ruminations, anecdotes, aphorisms, and esoterica, the book attacks its subject obliquely, spinning a theory of stupidity while cataloging its sightings."-New York Times

"[A] weirdly wonderful compilation . . ."-The Observer

Matthijs van Boxsel believes that no one is intelligent enough to understand the depths of their own stupidity. In The Encyclop�dia of Stupidity, he shows how stupidity is manifested in all areas, in everyone, at all times.

In short sections with titles such as "The Blunderclub," "Fools in Hell," "Genealogy of Idiots," and "The Aesthetics of the Empty Gesture," illustrated with many unusual and comical images, stupidity is analyzed within many aspects of culture, including fairy-tales, cartoons, triumphal arches, garden architecture, baroque ceilings, jokes, flimsy excuses, and science fiction. The author reviews mythic fools such as Cyclops and King Midas, cities such as Gotham, archetypes such as the dumb blonde and traditionally stupid animals, notably the goose, the donkey and the headless chicken. The author does more than assemble a menagerie of blunders, however, for he also fathoms the logic of this looking-glass world, examining the boundaries of comprehension and asking where intelligence begins and ends.

In this witty and erudite book, van Boxsel argues that stupidity is a prerequisite for intelligence, that mistakes stimulate progress and that failure is the basis for success. Along the way, he shows how our culture is the result of a series of failed attempts to understand our own stupidity. Stupidity, he claims, is the foundation of our civilization.

Matthijs van Boxsel has been researching, writing and lecturing on stupidity for more than 20 years. He lives in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

About the Author

Matthijs van Boxsel is a literary historian who lives in Amsterdam.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Established in 1994, we are a large new and used general interest bookstore located in the Uptown area of Minneapolis. Visit our online bookstore, www.magersandquinn.com, where we have over 500,000 new, used, and rare titles.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Magers and Quinn Booksellers
3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55408, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Purchase will be shipped upon receipt of payment including any additional shipping costs. MN residents add appropriate sales tax. We guarantee the condition of every book as it�s described on the Abebooks web sites. If you�re dissatisfied (Incorrect Item/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn�t arrived by the latest estimated delivery date, you�re eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. Please contact us for any other return inquiries, and we�ll respond withi...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 lbs or less, or 1 kg. Heavy or oversized books may require additional shipping charges.

Domestic shipping: Under 2.2 lbs
Media Mail $4.00
Priority Mail $7.00

International shipping: Rates depend on weight and destination of package.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 3.99	US$ 12.99

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.