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Most of the most of S.J. Perelman

Front Cover
5 Reviews
Modern Library, May 30, 2000 - Humor - 549 pages
This book includes many of the greatest hits from 1930 to 1958--available only in this edition--by the devastatingly witty Perelman, the leading figure of The New Yorker magazine's golden age of humor and one of the most popular American humorists ever. In these hilarious pieces, the charmingly cranky Perelman turns his scathing attention to books, movies, New York socialites, the newspaper business, country life, travel, Hollywood, the publishing industry, and, last but not least, himself. His self-portrait: "Under a forehead roughly comparable to . . . Piltdown Man are visible a pair of tiny pig eyes, lit up alternately by greed and concupiscence. . . . Before they made S. J. Perelman, they broke the mold." Sophisticated and supremely mischievous, Perelman is an acrobat of language who turns a phrase and then, before the reader has time to finish admiring his agility, turns it again.

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Review: Most of the Most of SJ Perelman

User Review  - Jenny - Goodreads

The man is a great observer on American life back in the day. Beautifully constructed work. Read full review

Review: Most of the Most of SJ Perelman

User Review  - David Heywood - Goodreads

Sure, some the works are dated and not-so-funny. But at his best, Perelman is one of the best. Read full review

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Contents

Waiting for Santy
3
Beat Me PostImpressionist Daddy
20
The Idols Eye
33
Copyright

60 other sections not shown

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About the author (2000)

S. J. Perelman (1904-1979) was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was one of the most prominent humorists of his generation, writing countless pieces for The New Yorker, plays for the stage, and screenplays for the Marx Brothers. He won an Academy Award for his screenplay for Around the World in 80 Days, and he received a special National Book Award for his unique contribution to American letters.

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