Distory : A Treasury of Historical Insults

Rating:
Summary: Civilized DIScourse
Review: History and Language are incomplete without a study of the art of cursing. This is because it takes superior wit to pull it off.
In Distory, we are treated to a feast of mordant vituperatives compiled from the annals of history. This small book--179 pages-- has chapters focussing on some insults of notable Americans, Brits, and nations. It concludes with some unclassified extras.
Readers who expect to find funny insults, though there are some, will be disappointed. Others who suppose to pick up some quotable quotes will share a similar fate. The collection is simply an entertaining peek into the thoughts of famous men and their contemporaries.
Most of the material is lively, however when compared to the political and journalistic discourse of nowadays, they look rather tame. Harry Truman's comments were weak, undeserving of the pages of the book. Attention should rather be given to Winston Churchill and Ben Franklin, my caustic favorites.
Distory is for those looking for nice metaphors and historical figures. Anyone else; not for you.

Rating:
Summary: Four Words: Laughing My Ass Off
Review: Schnakenberg strikes again! This book is an awesome idea and a hilarious read. I always need a little light reading for my hot-air-balloon expeditions, and DISTORY fit the bill nicely (for the uninitiated, ballooning requires a lot of "down time" while waiting for the chase vehicle to pick you up). Anyway, having gone through the book once already, it now resides in a prominent place in my bathroom's magazine rack, where it is put to use often. In fact, it must be said, DISTORY is the perfect book for passing time on the sh*tter!

If there was some kind of award for "Best Restroom Read of the Year"... DISTORY would flush the competition down the toilet.

For further comedy, check out Schnakenberg's bio of William Shatner.... HAHAHA.