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Viva la Repartee 1st (first) edition Text Only
clever comebacks and witty retorts!
Hardcover
First published November 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 24, 2020
A sick 350-lb US president (Taft). You are worried about his health. Upon receiving your telegram, he replies he felt better after a 25-mile horseback ride over the mountain. You immediately shot back “How is the horse”. If that’s you, latch on to this book. If not, read a dictionary Saturday night.
June 5, 2015
I always appreciate a witty comeback or clever retort and for that reason I picked up Viva la Repartee - Clever Comebacks and Witty Retorts from History's Great Wits & Wordsmiths by Dr. Mardy Grothe.
While I did enjoy some of the content, I was overwhelmingly frustrated by the fact that there was very little material post 1995, and the majority of examples were from actors and writers from decades ago, and an abundance of entries from Winston Churchill.
Now while Churchill has some of the best comebacks of all time, there was no current material to offset the time spent on silver screen actors and nation leaders from 50+ years ago.
Here are five of the best worth recording here:
From Page 30
Outraged father says: "You think you can run this school any damn way you please, don't you?" In response, Educator Horace Dutton Taft replies: Your manner is crude and your language vulgar, but you have somehow got the point.
From Page 33-34
I didn't know where the expression 'off the cuff' originated, and was fascinated to learn: it comes from the world of formal affairs in the 1930s, when tuxedo-clad dinner guests would jot brief notes on the cuffs of their sleeves during the meal in order to give the impression of speaking spontaneously later on when they were called upon to deliver a few after-dinner remarks. Such remarks were clearly not spontaneous, but as years passed the expression took on the meaning it has today.
From Page 186
As he got older, Churchill retained his sense of humor, despite many of the predictable problems associated with aging. When told by a friend that his fly was open, he suggested it was no big deal, saying with resigned acceptance: A dead bird does not leave its nest.
In summary, I'd recommend Viva la Repartee by Mardy Grothe as a coffee table book or a library selection, but don't expect to be 'wowed' on every page. The gems are sprinkled throughout.
While I did enjoy some of the content, I was overwhelmingly frustrated by the fact that there was very little material post 1995, and the majority of examples were from actors and writers from decades ago, and an abundance of entries from Winston Churchill.
Now while Churchill has some of the best comebacks of all time, there was no current material to offset the time spent on silver screen actors and nation leaders from 50+ years ago.
Here are five of the best worth recording here:
From Page 30
Outraged father says: "You think you can run this school any damn way you please, don't you?" In response, Educator Horace Dutton Taft replies: Your manner is crude and your language vulgar, but you have somehow got the point.
From Page 33-34
I didn't know where the expression 'off the cuff' originated, and was fascinated to learn: it comes from the world of formal affairs in the 1930s, when tuxedo-clad dinner guests would jot brief notes on the cuffs of their sleeves during the meal in order to give the impression of speaking spontaneously later on when they were called upon to deliver a few after-dinner remarks. Such remarks were clearly not spontaneous, but as years passed the expression took on the meaning it has today.
From Page 186
As he got older, Churchill retained his sense of humor, despite many of the predictable problems associated with aging. When told by a friend that his fly was open, he suggested it was no big deal, saying with resigned acceptance: A dead bird does not leave its nest.
In summary, I'd recommend Viva la Repartee by Mardy Grothe as a coffee table book or a library selection, but don't expect to be 'wowed' on every page. The gems are sprinkled throughout.
May 28, 2012
Very funny and perfect for the fans of the immortal and ingenious comebacks.
My only complaint for this book was this:
Each "comeback" or "retort" or whatever it was, was bolded .. It doesn't really sound like a problem but here's the thing:
Before each comeback there would be some background information and history laid down so the reader knows the context and who's saying what to whom, because that's VERY important for a book like this, wouldn't you say? The problem was, the background info was in normal print, and since the comebacks and retorts were bolded, my eye was immediately drawn to it before reading the set-up or lead in, which basically ruined it for me.
It's like reading the punchline accidentally and then hearing the joke. You feel disappointed with yourself for having messed up a chance to laugh or smile, since now you know the "secret", it's not funny anymore.
That was the only complaint I had for this book. There are some very witty answers and rebuttals to insults or personal attacks on history's "wordsmiths" or possibly just things people have said that require something funny to be said.. The masters of which are Groucho Marx, Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, and George Shaw.
My only complaint for this book was this:
Each "comeback" or "retort" or whatever it was, was bolded .. It doesn't really sound like a problem but here's the thing:
Before each comeback there would be some background information and history laid down so the reader knows the context and who's saying what to whom, because that's VERY important for a book like this, wouldn't you say? The problem was, the background info was in normal print, and since the comebacks and retorts were bolded, my eye was immediately drawn to it before reading the set-up or lead in, which basically ruined it for me.
It's like reading the punchline accidentally and then hearing the joke. You feel disappointed with yourself for having messed up a chance to laugh or smile, since now you know the "secret", it's not funny anymore.
That was the only complaint I had for this book. There are some very witty answers and rebuttals to insults or personal attacks on history's "wordsmiths" or possibly just things people have said that require something funny to be said.. The masters of which are Groucho Marx, Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, and George Shaw.
May 4, 2008
This is a small book--about the height of a pen. I don't care for it and it's not what I thought when I ordered it. You have to read short paragraphs, then the "witty" comeback is presented. I don't find many of the comebacks all that witty.
Example:
Page 220:
Having wrestled with his weight his entire life, Winston Churchill got progressively rounder and pudgier as he grew older One day, he and his baby grandson were strolling down a London street when friend came upon them and said, "Winston! How wonderfully your new grandson resembles you!" Churchill replied:
All babies look like me. But then, I look like all babies.
Example:
Page 220:
Having wrestled with his weight his entire life, Winston Churchill got progressively rounder and pudgier as he grew older One day, he and his baby grandson were strolling down a London street when friend came upon them and said, "Winston! How wonderfully your new grandson resembles you!" Churchill replied:
All babies look like me. But then, I look like all babies.
June 27, 2009
Winston Churchill is THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That said, this book is more appropriate for a bathroom or waiting room than for an easy chair... and by that I mean that one ought not to sit down and read it from cover to cover, but rather enjoy it in small bite-sized morsels.
But man... I wish I were witty enough to come up with these wonderful rejoinders and repartees! They're fantastic.
That said, this book is more appropriate for a bathroom or waiting room than for an easy chair... and by that I mean that one ought not to sit down and read it from cover to cover, but rather enjoy it in small bite-sized morsels.
But man... I wish I were witty enough to come up with these wonderful rejoinders and repartees! They're fantastic.
April 29, 2020
This is easily the funniest book I’ve read in the last ten years. Grothe sets up the background anecdotes leading up to the quotes beautifully, and they become knockout punchlines.
I have to get his other books now.
I have to get his other books now.
February 17, 2020
wonderfully curated and set up; it's easy enough to collect sayings and conversations, but to provide the setting and enough history to let us fully appreciate them is where the art comes in. Hugely enjoyable; there's a lot here. If you're anything like me, you'll remember a few of these in the hopes that you can use them yourself somehow, if the gods of timing and memory are kind.
March 2, 2024
A delightful selection of witty and fun comments made by the famous and not-so-famous through the years. I really enjoyed reading through this, although I imagine it would be just as much fun dipping into here and there from time to time. (Now! If only I could *remember* some of them to share!) This book is a keeper!
September 2, 2024
Entertaining book to say the least. Definitely worth a giggle or two to read, but there’s not much structure to the literature other than the quotes and short contextual paragraphs before every quote.
August 1, 2018
A summer reading
I recommend to read this book on the beach, but only 2-3 pages at a time. It gave me an entertainment and a pleasure. Do not try to read more or you will be tired.
I recommend to read this book on the beach, but only 2-3 pages at a time. It gave me an entertainment and a pleasure. Do not try to read more or you will be tired.
August 2, 2018
Yes, entertaining and funny.
And yes, one could learn a thing or two about preparing one's wits to take advantage when opportunity comes along.
And yes, one could learn a thing or two about preparing one's wits to take advantage when opportunity comes along.
July 17, 2019
Gives you what you're looking for. Feels a little self-promoting though.
June 2, 2020
Good book, but super boring to me.
January 19, 2021
Loved it! This book is very funny and gave me wonderful new ways to retort to my older brother.
June 6, 2021
3.75 Stars.
February 3, 2022
Great :)
May 1, 2025
A feast for lovers of language, comedy, and wordplay.
June 30, 2025
Brilliant collection of witty sayings, along with a bit of history that surrounds them, complete with thorough index.
December 8, 2016
During the campaign of Adlai Stevenson who was the Democratic Candidate for President in 52 & 56 was speaking to a crowd and one of his supporters shouted "you have all the support of thinking Americans" to which Stevenson replied, "Madam, that is not enough, I'm going to need a majority."
This book offers varieties of repartee (political, sports, risque, chiastic) from Men and Women throughout History, from mostly famous people from many occupations. I've heard a lot of these types of comments over my life but there were a lot here I had not heard or have forgotten. If you enjoy a good verbal assault or grand wit, this will be an enjoyable read.
This book offers varieties of repartee (political, sports, risque, chiastic) from Men and Women throughout History, from mostly famous people from many occupations. I've heard a lot of these types of comments over my life but there were a lot here I had not heard or have forgotten. If you enjoy a good verbal assault or grand wit, this will be an enjoyable read.
December 26, 2011
A Christmas present from my kids, this is not something I would probably have picked up on my own. But sitting down to read it, it turned out to be a pleasant enough way to pass a few hours. The retorts, rejoinders, put downs, come backs, and all other manner of off-the-cuff and premeditated bon mots, and the stories behind them, were for the most part well chosen.
After a point, however, it becomes clear the the author is really impressed with his own scholarship, which puts a bit of a damper on what would otherwise be a bit of light holiday amusement.
After a point, however, it becomes clear the the author is really impressed with his own scholarship, which puts a bit of a damper on what would otherwise be a bit of light holiday amusement.
January 7, 2014
This is the 3rd of Mr. Grothe's books that I've read, and probably my favorite. As a big fan of the "witty comeback," I enjoyed these stories of some of the classic and most amusing retorts in history. The author does a good job of setting up each bout of wordplay, with a little backstory before the punch line. This helped if the people were obscure or just unfamiliar. Some of these made me laugh out loud, but many just impressed me with their verbal dexterity, innuendo and style. Remember these words to live by: "If you can't say something nice, at least make it funny."
October 7, 2014
As a fan of witty rejoinder and quick retorts, I found this collection quite humorous. Unlike some critics of the book, I enjoyed the set-up information given before the actual reply. While it was an easy read, and I could have easily breezed through it, I paced myself and eagerly looked forward to reading a new section each day. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite, but some were definitely better than others.
August 2, 2010
I adore this book. Perfect for browsing, or reading a chapter at a time. Chapters include laconic repartee, stage & screen repartee, sports repartee, chiastic repartee, oxymoronic repartee, inadvertent repartee, and a host of others. It has sparked a fascination for the Algonquin Round Table and its vicious circle, as well for Churchill who's all over the place in this book as both the executor and the victim of wit.
January 24, 2011
Compilation of witty quotes and the stories behind them. The majority of items I either knew of or was not particularly interested in. I did not enjoy Grothe's introductions to each topic and would suggest skipping straight to the quotes. More clever than funny. I would suggest this for people who enjoy New Yorker cartoons. I can't say it was a waste of time since I enjoyed the Silent Cal quotes and now definitely want to watch Mae West's films.
January 11, 2015
Grothe, M. (2005). Viva la repartee: Clever comebacks and witty retorts from history's great wits and wordsmiths. New York: Collins.
Chiastic repartee:
"God is on our side [but] it is more important to know that we are on God's side." - Abraham Lincoln
"Putting the heart before the course." - George S Kaufman, on learning his daughter eloped and dropped out of school
"Champagne to our real friends; real pain to our sham friends."
Chiastic repartee:
"God is on our side [but] it is more important to know that we are on God's side." - Abraham Lincoln
"Putting the heart before the course." - George S Kaufman, on learning his daughter eloped and dropped out of school
"Champagne to our real friends; real pain to our sham friends."
March 26, 2012
After reading OXYMORONICA, and thoroughly enjoying it, I was expecting this one to be as immediate. After plowing through a lot of background information to get to one witty punchline or word, I find not many of the comebacks all that witty, let alone interesting. Since this is not a novel, I don't have to read this in one sitting. I'll pick it up from time to time as I read other books.
August 19, 2013
Sentiments of the greatest and most notorious historical smartasses are artfully offered in a simple category format. Quotes are culled from many a century and many a profession. Winston Churchill's words impressed me enough to purchase another work containing only his witticisms. Is it just my belief, or did he successfully insert daggers into his vowels?
February 6, 2016
While I always appreciate witty retorts, a lot of this book was build-up to the quips (which was sometimes needed, but often not) and re- describing the same people over and over (which would only be useful if you were using the book in snippets instead of reading it cover-to-cover ). I did like the repartee though, and laughed out loud at a fair number of them.
December 13, 2011
I get Dr. Mardy's quotes of the week and was intrigued by this book of his. This is the first e-book I've bought/read through Google Books.
And it was awesome. Highly entertaining. Being a fan of word play, I got St. the set for his birthday.
And it was awesome. Highly entertaining. Being a fan of word play, I got St. the set for his birthday.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews