Most of the Most of S.J.Perelman (Modern Library) - Softcover

S.J. Perelman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0679640371 ISBN 13: 9780679640370

Publisher: Random House Inc, 2001

Synopsis

This book includes many of the greatest hits from 1930 to 1958--available only in this edition--by the devastatingly witty Perelman, the leading figure of The New Yorker magazine's golden age of humor and one of the most popular American humorists ever. In these hilarious pieces, the charmingly cranky Perelman turns his scathing attention to books, movies, New York socialites, the newspaper business, country life, travel, Hollywood, the publishing industry, and, last but not least, himself. His self-portrait: "Under a forehead roughly comparable to . . . Piltdown Man are visible a pair of tiny pig eyes, lit up alternately by greed and concupiscence. . . . Before they made S. J. Perelman, they broke the mold." Sophisticated and supremely mischievous, Perelman is an acrobat of language who turns a phrase and then, before the reader has time to finish admiring his agility, turns it again. From a letter from Groucho Marx to S. J. Perelman: "From the moment I picked up your book until I put it down, I was convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend reading it." Since 1917 The Modern Library prides itself as The modern Library of the world s Best Books . Featuring introductions by leading writers, stunning translations, scholarly endnotes and reading group guides. Production values emphasize superior quality and readability. Competitive prices, coupled with exciting cover design make these an ideal gift to be cherished by the avid reader.

About this title

About the Author

S. J. Perelman (1904-1979) was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was one of the most prominent humorists of his generation, writing countless pieces for The New Yorker, plays for the stage, and screenplays for the Marx Brothers. He won an Academy Award for his screenplay for Around the World in 80 Days, and he received a special National Book Award for his unique contribution to American letters.

Edition details

• Publisher: Random House Inc
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0679640371
• ISBN 13: 9780679640370
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 572