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The Treasury of Humorous Quotations
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1967
8 people want to read
About the author
Nicolas Bentley
82 books2 followersNicolas Clerihew Bentley was an English author and illustrator famous for his humorous cartoon drawings in books and magazines in the 1930s and 1940s.
Bentley was educated at University College School where he left at the age of 17. He then enrolled at Heatherley's School of Fine Art, a prestigious private college, but left after a few months.
Bentley subsequently worked for Shell for three years, but disliked working in advertising. However, in 1930, he got a break when Hilaire Belloc (who was a friend of his father) invited him to illustrate his book 'New Cautionary Tales'. The good critical reception of this book and its illustrations allowed Bentley to go freelance.
During the 1930s Bentley illustrated many books, ranging from J.B. Morton to Damon Runyon. His most famous drawings were to illustrate T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, but he illustrated more than 70 books in the course of his career, and traditionally used the byline "Nicolas Bentley drew the pictures".
In October 1934, Bentley married Barbara Hastings, daughter of the Barrister Sir Patrick Hastings.
Bentley was educated at University College School where he left at the age of 17. He then enrolled at Heatherley's School of Fine Art, a prestigious private college, but left after a few months.
Bentley subsequently worked for Shell for three years, but disliked working in advertising. However, in 1930, he got a break when Hilaire Belloc (who was a friend of his father) invited him to illustrate his book 'New Cautionary Tales'. The good critical reception of this book and its illustrations allowed Bentley to go freelance.
During the 1930s Bentley illustrated many books, ranging from J.B. Morton to Damon Runyon. His most famous drawings were to illustrate T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, but he illustrated more than 70 books in the course of his career, and traditionally used the byline "Nicolas Bentley drew the pictures".
In October 1934, Bentley married Barbara Hastings, daughter of the Barrister Sir Patrick Hastings.
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January 11, 2026
I am surprised that nobody has written a review of this excellent little book, first published in 1951 but still presenting an interesting and useful read. It is set out alphabetically according to the quoted name, but has a very handy topical index to help you find the perfect quote for the right occasion. Bentley & Esar's selection tends towards succinct, intelligent, insightful humour - ideal for those seeking one-liners or mots juste: e.g. "Its much easier to be critical than correct"..."he was born stupid and greatly increased his birthright"..."success covers a multitude of blunders". Still evidently available through second-hand online sellers, it is definitely worth the small investment should you be seeking an amusing opening for a speech or simply seek to liven your conversation with wit.
Displaying 1 of 1 review