The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of the Aphorisms

by James Geary (Author)

19 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-1582346168

ISBN-10: 158234616X

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For lovers of words and seekers of wisdom, a lively history of aphorisms--the oldest written art form--and the intriguing people who have penned them, from the Buddha to Emily Dickinson.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Geary is the deputy editor of Time Magazine in Europe and the author of The Body Electric: An Anatomy of the New Bionic Senses. He lives in London with his wife and three children.

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA (October 9, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 158234616X
ISBN-13: 978-1582346168
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
Average Customer Review: 19 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,448,623 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1137 in Etymology (Books)
- #539 in Word Lists
- #8525 in Reference (Books)

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19 customer reviews

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Stephen

A delightful book in great part due to the fact that the author's love ...

June 27, 2016

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

A delightful book in great part due to the fact that the author's love for his subject matter comes out on almost every page of the book. Much humor and philosophy to enjoy as you clear and exercise your mind reading this book. If you like to laugh and think at the same time, you should enjoy this book. It is book that I will get out and read again and again.

One person found this helpful

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Backyarder

Fast service and excellent condition

April 17, 2019

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This book was a great price, arrived quick and was in excellent condition with a library cover. I could not be happier with my purchase experience.
Its a fabulous read too!

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Daniel G. Murray

Inspiring Reading

January 13, 2019

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I spent almost as much time reading about the aphorists featured in the book as reading the book. Highly recommended.

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R. Russell

Nicely done book

August 18, 2009

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Geary takes the reader through an interesting tour of the lives and times of some of the worlds great aphorists. This isn't the typical compilation of aphorisms. Most of the material is about the writers, with aphorisms generously intertwined to illustrate their genius.
The one-star ratings of a couple of other reviews are from fundamental Christians who apparently did not appreciate Geary's secular take on Jesus the aphorist. Geary's humanist bent does show in his approach. I would advise potential buyers of this book to take their complaint with a grain of sand. And, after all, it's only four pages out of a couple of hundred.
Any thinking person will find the book a delight.

2 people found this helpful

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Comer Duncan

great book

February 4, 2019

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

great book!

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Sejanus

Writing Your Own Bible

April 19, 2006

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

James Geary explores the history and development of aphoristic expression in this useful little book, and he does so by both entertaining and informing in the way aphorisms do. His last chapter is about the Jefferson Bible, and it sums up his project very nicely. As Geary concludes in the end, "aphorisms are the elixir of life," for only they "tell it like it really is." So reading Geary's book can be like walking through a minefield populated with the most exquisite fauna, a bracing and hazardous experience that is also filled with wonder. Those who live in the warm embrace of received wisdom, and who comfort themselves with rosey reliance on conformity in thought and deed, will not enjoy this journey. But as the book points out in quoting Jenny Holzer, "playing it safe can cause a lot of damage in the long run." Reading this book now after having read many of the authors Geary surveys, and having learned to my delight of those unknown to me, I was encouraged to press on in my own way of thinking, to stop doubting myself. There is not a self-help book in the world that will bully you into your sense the way Nietzsche or Chamfort can with an absolute economy of words. Geary's book was such a breath of fresh air, especially in this age of spin and lies, because he brings the reader face to face with those who spoke directly without apology about the truth of the human condition.

19 people found this helpful

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Jerry Sollien

A joy to read

February 22, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I think "Guide to the World's Great Aphorists" might be a bit better than "The world in a phrase", but it is still very entertaining and James Geary is a very interesting and talented author.

One person found this helpful

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angela bardoe

Wonderful!

March 15, 2006

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This book was amazing! Not only did it include quirky, enlightening, and thought-prokoking aphorisms, but it also gave a background about the writer of the aphorisms too. needless to say, this has sent me on numerous tangents wanting to learn more. I have bought four or five other books since based on what I read here. I'm sure I will be reading this one over and over again. Couldn't reccommend it enough.

19 people found this helpful

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The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of the Aphorisms