The Smart Words and Wicked Wit of William Shakespeare

by Max Morris (editor)

“Better a witty fool, than a foolish wit,” said the world’s greatest and most preeminent English writer of all time, William Shakespeare.Have you ever wanted to quote the most quoted writer in the English language? Deliver the most inventive and debasing Shakespearean insult (“Would thou wert clean enough to spit upon!”)? Recite titillating love poetry like a modern-day Romeo to his (or her) Juliet? Or commit a learned wisdom about life’s woes to memory? The Smart Words and Wicked Wit of William Shakespeare is the perfect pocket book to carry around in your arsenal. Laugh, cry, rage, and muse along with beloved (or not so beloved) Shakespeare characters like Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, King Lear, and Cleopatra on the topics of love, art, beauty—as well as life’s most irreverently relevant insights. Full of savvy wisdoms from works such as Twelfth Night, Othello, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, and many others, this inspiring collection compiles the wisest and wittiest Shakespearean quotations that speak of the writer’s enduring legacy—even in contemporary pop culture.

Genres: Classics, Shakespeare, Literature, Nonfiction

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2017

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming little book is a handy reference guide to some of Shakespeare’s best-known quotes. Divided into sections by topic, the book lists a series of quotes that fit each section’s theme, as well as the play or poem from which the quote was taken. This slender volume isn’t cluttered with commentary or even with background information; consequently, the casual reader can peruse many different remarks one right after another. I found that this approach made for a surprisingly deep and strangely moving experience. And despite the brevity of the excerpts, Shakespeare’s talent and his unique voice come through loud and clear.

[Jamie (The Kansan Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I thought it might discuss the brilliance of William Shakespeare but all it did was put in Shakespeare quotes from his plays and sonnets alongside illustrations.

Quite the downer really.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

According to Polonius, “Brevity is the soul of wit,” and if that is true, then this collection is definitely witty. Organized into chapters such as “Love’s Light Wings” and “Get Thee a Wife or Husband,” there is bound to be something here that will appeal to any fan of Shakespeare. Undoubtedly, you will come across quotes you have either read or memorized back in school. It’s a varied collection, and a nice reference to find a quick Shakespearean quote. Meanwhile, “Live a little; comfort a little; cheer thyself a little.” (Orlando in “As You Like It.”)

[Mark Bunch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. A great desktop resource.

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was just a fun read. The quotes were worth reading and thinking about.

[Sameerah El-amin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the writings of Shakespeare; the way the language was used in the past.

[James S. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Idiotic collections of random phrases from his plays with no editorial context or analysis, all done in random and irritating fonts.

[James Traxler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of quotes from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets.
So many famous ones that have become part of the language we use day-to-day.
He had such a great way with words.
Well worth a read.

[Paola Piliado · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty much read in 25 minutes.
Its a bunch of quotes written in big big letters and with lots of illustrations.

If you want to finish your Reading Challenge go for it.