Algonquin Wit

I was hoping for something a little more substantial from the description of this book, which turned out to be a slim volume at best. I was searching for some compendium of the Algonquin wits, and this was I'm afraid, about it! It is not without some merit, however dissappointing the selections are (small snippets - more anecdotal than anything else - representing the range of most of the members of the Round Table). It does offer a decent over-view of the prime members of the club with some literary tastes of their various and varying works. The playwrights are not that well represented, but some of the lesser know news reporters are. An appetizer waiting for a delicious feast to be compiled someday.

A very beautiful teapot.

If you are acquainted with the writings and personalities of Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Alexander Woolcott and other distinguished wits who lunched in the '30s and early '40s at their special table in New York's Algonquin Hotel, you will especially relish this small but golden collection of their sophisticated one-liners - mostly barbed put-downs. But even if those names are unfamiliar to you, I think you'll enjoy this book if you appreciate sophisticated repartee. Incidentally, one member of the select group was Harpo Marx, who never uttered a word while performing as the zaniest of the Marx Brothers. A couple of Harpo's sallies are included in this delightful compilation.

The quotes aren't very well chosen, in my opinion; I have comprehensive books of Dorothy Parker's and Robert Benchley's writings and the selections from them in this book are pretty weak tea. They also used a lot of quotes with references to shows, books, and personalities that didn't stand the test of time, so the sense of what makes them funny/clever is lost.

A good reminder that there used to be good reporters in America

For those who enjoy the classic wit of the 30s and 40s this is a truly fun read. It's a shame we don't seem to have any folks with the intellect and pithy observations of our society we once had. I highly recommend this book as throwback to those times.

Wonderful reading. I would have liked more about the founding of the circle, but it was a worthy and delightful read.

The Algonquin Wits: Bon Mots, Wisecracks, Epigrams and Gags I have had a copy of this book for many, may years and bought more for friends...We sit and read excerpts and howl...what a classic group of wits all of the table occupants were. Dorothy Parker was the best of all.