The Little Book of Shakespeare's Insults: The Bard's Best Barbs

by Orange Hippo! (Editor)

Away, you scullion, you rampallion, you fustilarian! Along with penning some of the most sublime passages in all of English Literature, Shakespeare was a master when it came to casting a wicked comeback or hurling a barbed insult. Whether it's Prospero calling Caliban a "freckled whelp, hag-born" in The Tempest or King Lear railing against his daughter Goneril with the damning words, "Thou art a boil, a plague sore, an embossed carbuncle in my corrupted blood", Shakespeare didn't hold back when it came to getting creative with his slights. Packed full of eloquent stings and poisonous putdowns, this is the perfect resource for anyone looking to scorn an enemy - without resorting to swearing! "Away, you starvelling, you elf-skin, you dried neat's-tongue, bull's-pizzle, you stock-fish!" Henry IV Part I (Act 2, Scene 4) "Away, you three-inch fool." The Taming of the Shrew (Act 4, Scene 1) "Go, prick thy face, and over-red thy fear, Thou lily-liver'd boy." Macbeth (Act 5, Scene 3) "The tartness of his face sours ripe grapes." The Comedy of Errors (Act 5, Scene 4)

192 pages, Hardcover

Published March 30, 2021

Reviews

[Gabi Leoncini · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Villain, I have done thy mother’ is deffo my fav.

[Tori BookWorm22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

So... I bought this as a gag gift for myself and I must say that while I always enjoy Shakespearean insults, this book had me all but laughing out loud. Definitely worth both the money and time.

[Eva Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I do wish thou wert a dog, that I might love thee something” my favourite quote.

[Tony Figueroa]

Great Nightstand reading.
This is a great tool you can use to sharpen your verbal machete.
Use at your own risk.

[Eveline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny as always. Picked this up on a whim in the Shakespeare Bookshop in Stratford. I’ll keep looking out for the complete collection of his insults, but this will make a nice addition to the coffee table to nip in to every now and then. Books like these are great conversation starters among guests.

[Hollie Robb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fast easy read. Something everyone should read, for Shakespeare always have the best insults.

“I must tell you friendly in your ear, Sell when you can; you are not for all markets.”

As You Like It act 3 scene 5

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatest book i have ever read

[Giovanna Tufano · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jeez. Shakespeare was mean.

[Miss Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the classics "Frailty, thy name is woman!" to "I do desire we may be better strangers" and "Away, you three-inch fool!"

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thine face is not worth sunburning… 👩‍🍳😘

[the_book_recommender · Rating 5 out of 5]

hilarious to use on friends, 10/10

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My teen bought this for me in England, and it’s a cute little book. I’m particularly fond of “The tartness of his face sours ripe grapes” and “(Thy) words are blunt and so art thou.”

[Steven Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun!

[KIM · Rating 4 out of 5]

FUN

[Lulukins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting the year off strong with a little "pump you up" insult action. 5/5, no notes.

The final chapter where you can put together your own one-line zingers is amazing.

[Missi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection.