The Big Book of Irony - Softcover

Winokur, Jon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1250029716 ISBN 13: 9781250029713

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 2005

Synopsis

Jon Winokur defines and classifies irony and contrasts it with coincidence and cynicism, and other oft-confused concepts that many think are ironic.

He looks at the different forms irony can take, from an irony deficiency to visual irony to an understatement, using photographs and relate-able examples from pop culture.

* "Irony in Action" looks at irony in language, both verbal and visual, while "Bastions of Irony" and "Masters of Irony" look at institutions and individuals steeped in irony, though not always intentionally.

PLUS:
* The Annals of Irony looks at irony, and its lack thereof, throughout history.

A delight for anyone with a smart, dark sense of humor.

About this title

Review:

"This gleefully witty treatise, a playful exploration of irony by someone who has mastered it himself, opens with definitions of irony and explanations of its many forms. Winokur (The Portable Curmudgeon ) then progresses through the "Annals of Irony," dating from 423 B.C.E. to the present, and he bolsters his chapters with generous helpings of quotes from public personages notable for their senses of irony. While he explores the historical aspects of irony, he also cites examples from current masters of the form, e.g., comedians Ali G and Sarah Silverman. Readers who do not appreciate cultural phenomena like Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm may not care to digest the text fully, but those who enjoy The Onion or The Simpsons should find much entertaining here." --Library Journal

About the Author:

JON WINOKUR is the author of a number of reference books and anthologies, including The Portable Curmudgeon, Ennui to Go and Encyclopedia Neurotica. He lives in Pacific Palisades, California.

About this edition

• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1250029716
• ISBN 13: 9781250029713
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 194