The Big Picture: An American Commentary [Paperback]

A. Whitney Brown (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Ranging from stiletto sharp to delightfully wry, Brown's satirical observations on the American way of life combine new material with some of his best work from his Saturday Night Live features. No topic or personality is safe from Brown's slings as he roasts one victim after another from Reagan to Santa Claus. Brown has gathered a number of loyal fans in his five years as a regular on SNL , and this collection shouldn't be a disappointment to them. In fact, it should appeal to any hip audience, regardless of political persuasion or familiarity with Brown's television work. Not an essential purchase, but one that will be popular among aficionados of contemporary social and political satire.
- Joe Accardi, Northeastern Illinois Univ. Lib., Chicago
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins; 1st edition (April 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060968257
• ISBN-13: 978-0060968250
• Product Dimensions: 16.5 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,356,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely brilliant!, June 14, 2007

By 

P. Gagliardi (Horsham, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Big Picture: An American Commentary (Paperback)

I don't think people take satire seriously enough. In Europe, satire used to be something reserved for the truly luminary authors/minds. Because it dwells in the less dignified realm of comedy, I think it's poorly understood by the average person just how much intelligence is required to do satire well. A Whitney Brown has to be one of the most brilliant minds in modern times. Not only does he parody politics (which maybe some people wouldn't relate to), but modern mores and values as well. Sadly, I often find that I AM the very person he is poking fun at. However, then I realize that it's really all of us, or the human condition in general, and the pathetic, contemporary ways that we respond to age-old problems, that he is ridiculing. I really wish we would hear more from him, especially in times like these! I believe he is or was on AirAmerica. I wish he would find his way into mainstream media again. This country can't afford to keep its great minds in obscurity. Write another book! America needs you!

4.0 out of 5 stars An underappreciated wit!, January 15, 2008

By 

Alan Lutton (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Big Picture: An American Commentary (Paperback)

I loved A. Whitney Brown during his time on Saturday Night Live, and "The Big Picture" delivers the same wit, insight, comedic timing and irrascableness that only Brown can dish out. If you like smart commentary on important political issues, this is the book to have - you'll laugh AND you'll think.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still as funny today as it was in the early '90s, June 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Big Picture: An American Commentary (Paperback)

If you think A. Whitney Brown is funny on the Daily Show, you're in for a treat in this volume from his SNL days. Wry, insightful commentary from Brown's funnier years.