The Wicked Wit of England

by Geoff Tibballs

If there is one thing that first-time visitors to England find mystifying, it is the sense of humor. English humor encompasses a number of different styles. It can be surreal or satirical, dark or sophisticated, bawdy or genteel. And nobody does irony or sarcasm like the English. The various idiosyncrasies of the English character—the social awkwardness, the constant need to apologize, the weather obsession, the stiff upper lip, and the love of queuing, to name but a few—are celebrated in this collection of stories, anecdotes, quips, and quotes featuring English people from all walks of life, from Quentin Crisp to Frank Skinner and Stephen Hawking to Thora Hird. 

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

Published July 1, 2019

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

“If there is another war, the Italians will be on Germany’s side,” said Joachim von Ribbentrop. Winston Churchill replied, “That seems only fair; we had them last time.”

Some really wicked humor; mostly lame. A pleasant collection by the compiler of several similar tomes.

“Bagpipes sound exactly the same when you have finished learning them as when you start.” Sir Thomas Beecham

“After divorcing his first wife, Mark Thatcher has married again. And who’s the lucky lady? Well, his first wife, obviously.” Clive Anderson

[Lynn Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

Lots of fun to share with family. I had a blast. This whole series is terrific! Just what I was looking for to lift my spirits!

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been looking for movies/books that are humorous to help get me through these troubled times. The episodes vary from a line or two to several paragraphs. That is just right for picking up the book and going on to something else. The humor is dry (unlike the English climate) and amusing rather than fall out of your chair funny. I didn't get all of the humor but overall, it is worth reading.

[Patti Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better

[Ellen Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lively compilation of witticisms and foibles of our English brethren across the pond. I can decide which Brit Lit lover to pass this one on to?!?

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not funny. I fell asleep reading it, and didn't feel like sharing one quip with my husband like I did with Scotland's. Now it's on to Ireland.

[Eva ಇ · Rating 3 out of 5]

lot of fun facts!!