Pure Drivel (Paperback)

by Steve Martin (Author) "Looking out over the East River from my jail cell and still running for public office, I realize that I have taken several actions in..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, Los Angeles, Joey Dear Amanda (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Don't listen to Steve Martin read this hysterical compilation of his most absurdly funny writings if you're recovering from abdominal surgery or have taken a vow of silence. Martin's brilliant, juxtaposed wordplay, sly commentary, and hilarious observations are delivered with such a droll wit that only a dead person will avoid unabashed laughter. Genius is in the ear of the beholder and Martin's metronomic timing allows each sentence to unravel perfectly. His deadpan delivery is often clever enough to make you laugh twice at the same line and makes it clear why he has enjoyed such remarkable success as an actor, screenwriter, playwright, and author. (Running time: two hours, two cassettes) --George Laney --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist
Like Woody Allen, Martin expresses his intelligent, innovative, and self-conscious humor in many forms, including the written word. The short essays, conversations, and proclamations collected here are relayed in a slyly deadpan Valley voice that belies the coiled craziness of their content. Martin also brings his gift for comedic timing to these creations, setting a quirky beat that perfectly sets off their ironic wiles. The laugh-out-loud funniest pieces have a vivid physicality to them, such as "Side Effects," a hilarious takeoff on the precautions accompanying prescription drugs, while the most complex works offer witty commentary on the esotericism of science, the pretension of art, and the act of writing itself. The last gave rise to the delectable "Times Roman Font Announces Shortage of Periods," in which even the typography is amusing. Martin gets in some quick jabs at the absurdities of Washington, D.C., tells a tale from a dog's perspective, and pokes fun at Mensa, always crafting prose as notable for its meticulousness as for its drollery. And then he turns all but poetic in a piece about a "New York writer . . . forced to visit Los Angeles," a story that turns into a bittersweet and unexpectedly moving defense of his almost-beautiful, ever-hopeful city against its harshest critics. Donna Seaman --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion (October 6, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078688505X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786885053
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (158 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #375,105 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Looking out over the East River,, August 15, 2000

By	taking a rest - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Pure Drivel (Hardcover)

from my jail cell and still running for public office, I realize I have taken several actions in my life for which I owe public apologies.

And so begins the Author's "A Public Apology" in "Pure Drivel". I thought this little collection of wit to be not only funny, but also extremely well penned. If the thought of Steve Martin conjures the image of him clad in Egyptian Regalia singing "King Tut", you will find there is much more to this actor, comedian, playwright, writer of short stories a forthcoming book, and musician.

Mr. Martin not only has an extremely unique view of life, he has the ability to deliver it through all of the methods listed above. I agree this was short, I also believe were it much longer, its impact would have been lessened. Timing is what this man does so well, and knowing when enough means finished, is a rare talent indeed.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I just giggled and giggled., September 18, 2003

By	N. Pierre (On, Wisconsin!!) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I knew this book would be funny, as Steve Martin never disappoints. Well, it's true. The little 'stories' are nice and short, so it's perfect to read before bed. Recently I came across my copy again, so I started to page through it and ended up reading the entire thing again. Also, this is probably the only book in our entire house that my husband hasn't suggested that we donate or sell. That says it all. :p

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strikingly similar to his previous book, "Cruel Shoes.", July 14, 2000

By	J. R. Norton (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Steve Martin. My favorite comedian. I must admit that when I bought this book, I was looking for straight-up comedic laughs as only Steve Martin can deliver. What I got was not what I expected, but still was very intriguing. This book is a short read, true, suited for maybe a book to read while travelling (just not while you're driving) or just trying to pass time.

First off, it might not be what you expect. For those of you who have read Steve's 1979 book "Cruel Shoes," this is the same type of humor. Mainly quirky little things that might make you say, "hmm?" Some of it is rather bizarre, as some people have complained, but I don't think that merits a complaint at all. The book is a pleasant read, especially for those with more complex minds who enjoy a more "mature" laugh rather than low-class, low-brow bathroom humor. If you are this kind of person, or if you are a fan of Steve Martin's work, I recommend you buy it.