Customer Reviews

The Best of Robert Benchley

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The world can be divided into two groups of people, those who have read Benchley and those who have not. By far, the happiest people are those who fall into the former category.

Robert Benchely was one of the most talented humorists ever to grace the pages of American magazines. His personna was that of a befuddled upper middle class pater familias. He did not take on the great events of the day, this would have been a waste of time given his world view. What he did do was to satirize brilliantly the little inconsistencies of daily life.

This collection of Benchley's essays is a welcomed one including some 72 examples of his wit and whimsy. It is literally impossible to select a favorite from so many good pieces One can select any one of them at random and discover some gem of Benchely's imagination. Although this edition is out of print I urge anyone seeking to experience the wit of Benchley to seek out a copy.

Robert Benchley was my first literary hero. It was only after absorbing him that I could understand that other great American humorist, Mark Twain. What a shame Benchley isn't still a household name.

I read rave reviews of Benchley's books and bought one. A big disappointment. Perhaps the stories are too American for an European or they are not pertinent any more. On the other hand, I greatly value the humor of classic American movies and comic strips. So I am receptive to American humor. Sometimes the stories are pretty clever, but they do not get any reaction in me. I feel just indifferent about them. If you are from the far corner of Europe, buy something else.