Viva la Repartee
Clever Comebacks and Witty Retorts from History's Great Wits and Wordsmiths
By Mardy Grothe
(Harper, Hardcover, 9780060789480, 304pp.)
Publication Date: November 2005
Categories: Quotations
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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!
Dr. Mardy Grothe is a psychologist, management consultant, and public speaker. He is the author of five previous word-and-language books: I Never Metaphor I Didn't Like, Viva la Repartee, Oxymoronica, Ifferisms, and Never Let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You. A lifelong quotation collector, Dr. Mardy—as he is known to his fans around the globe—is routinely described as a "quotation maven" and is well on his way to becoming America's most popular quotation anthologist. He lives with his wife, Katherine Robinson, in North Carolina.
“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
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