The Best Specimens of English Conversational Wit (Classic Reprint) - Couverture souple

William Shepard Walsh

 
9781333156299: The Best Specimens of English Conversational Wit (Classic Reprint)

Synopsis

A collection of the best specimens of English conversational wit, drawn from the annals of everyday talk. This edition gathers short jests and stories chosen for their wit, not just humor, and places them within a thoughtful, period‑by‑period context. It surveys what makes wit sharp, compact, and effective, offering readers a sense of how wit differs from broader humor across English history.


Readers will find a clear framing of wit’s purpose, a look at how moments of conversation become lasting lines, and notes on how culture and timing shape what survives. The book emphasizes bite, precision, and the social craft behind clever speech, while showing how wit has evolved from Tudor to eighteenth‑century voices and beyond.



  • Clear explanations of what counts as wit versus humor or drollery.

  • Curated examples drawn from conversations across historical periods.

  • Context about how moment, environment, and company influence wit’s impact.

  • Thoughtful reflections on how language and wording carry the wit across time.


Ideal for fans of classic humor, literary anecdotes, and readers curious about the history and craft of witty conversation.

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Autres éditions populaires du même titre

9780483606357: The Best Specimens of English Conversational Wit (Classic Reprint)

Edition présentée

ISBN 10 :  0483606359 ISBN 13 :  9780483606357
Editeur : Forgotten Books, 2019
Couverture rigide