Of All Things by Robert Benchley (1889-1945)
First published 1921.
The text of this book is in the public domain in countries where copyright is “Life+70” or less, and in the USA. Due to copyright restrictions, illustrations by Gluyas Williams (1888–1982) have been omitted.
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Robert Charles Benchley was an American humorist, actor, and drama critic. His main persona, that of a slightly confused, ineffectual, socially awkward bumbler, served in his essays and short films to gain him the sobriquet “the humorist’s humorist.” The character allowed him to comment brilliantly on the world’s absurdities. (—
Encyclopedia Britannica)
Benchley's humor influenced and inspired many humorists and filmmakers, among them E. B. White, James Thurber, S. J. Perelman, Horace Digby, Woody Allen, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, and Dave Barry.
Benchley is best remembered for his contributions to periodicals such as
Life,
Vanity Fair, and
The New Yorker. Collections of these essays and articles stand today as tribute to his brilliance.
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These short pieces are ideal when you have a few minutes free and need a quick pick-me-up. Although some are topical for the early decades of the twentieth century, most hold up surprisingly well – just plug in the names of modern politicians, celebrities, and corporations, and forge ahead.
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