Rating: 
Summary: A Mite Self-Serving
Review: The title alone makes the modest person back up a little and think, "Are you SURE?" And yes, the author considers a few of his own Most Brilliant Thoughts worthy of inclusion. (We blush for him.) I was surprised that the "Reader's Digest" was the source for some of the material, and a few (very few, to be fair) of the brilliant thinkers were Oprah, Erica Jong, and Marlene Dietrich. Delightful ladies all, but Most Brilliant Thinkers of All Time?I am a junkie for books of quotes and maxims, though I freely admit this shows a certain lack of depth. There are many quotes included that you wish you had for ready reference, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson's "People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character." My, wouldn't I just like to spring that one on some of my more pessimistic friends! However, unless you memorize the ones you like, "Most Brilliant, etc." is not user-friendly. It has no subject or line index, which I find very irritating and a major drawback. The sections are vague, and quotes are repeated in different sections. It could be Mr. Shannahan thought one quote applicable to many situations, but it seems like padding. The book is handsome, with the quotes well spaced and easy to read. I met a few I had never seen before, and am stirred to further inquiry on some of the authors. Grade: C-
Rating: 
Summary: A book that should be added to your reference aresenal!
Review: This book is a must have for any writer or publisher. Shanahan's arrangement of content makes it a reference tool for any writer that needs quick antecdotes from brilliance to witty. It resides on my book shelf between ROGETS Thesaurus and Webster's Dictionary.
Rating:
Summary: A Book for All Time!
Review: This book is a nice companion work to Mardy Grothe's "Oxymoronica." John Shanahan has done all of the work and put together a collection of insightful perceptions, musings, and truisms (especially if one has lived long enough to appreciate them). This book is meant to be read and read again -- and discussed with others to share the varied meanings and interpretations each reader will bring to the statements (e.g., Emerson's "It is impossible for a man to be cheated by anyone but himself"). If you are contemplative, if you like to reflect upon the keen observations of others, this one's for you!
Rating:
Summary: A Book for All Time!
Review: This book is a nice companion work to Mardy Grothe's "Oxymoronica." John Shanahan has done all of the work and put together a collection of insightful perceptions, musings, and truisms (especially if one has lived long enough to appreciate them). This book is meant to be read and read again -- and discussed with others to share the varied meanings and interpretations each reader will bring to the statements (e.g., Emerson's "It is impossible for a man to be cheated by anyone but himself"). If you are contemplative, if you like to reflect upon the keen observations of others, this one's for you!
Rating:
Summary: Good Resource
Review: This book lends an array of good quips for every occasion, from ironic to inspirational. It's light reading for times when you want to be amused. The title seems arrogant and a major overstatment, but there are indeed some good quotes to be found here. If you are looking for a truly outstanding collection of quotes, as I was, I suggest you read "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Wisdom" by Taro Gold.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than average collection of witticisms
Review: This book lends the perfect quip for every occasion, from ironic to inspirational. Light reading for times when you want to be amused. I liked it so much I ordered a second copy to give as a gift!
Rating:
Summary: being annoying at parties
Review: This book will give you a ton of pithy quotes to annoy your friends with.
Rating:
Summary: Most of the most intelligent one-liners of all time
Review: This is a great little book to read when you are looking for illumination by humanity's intellects and wags. Shanahan has done a good job of editing these into topical sections. My only complaint with the book is that the editor decides to include a number of his own thoughts among the "Most Brilliant". Now he is a smart man, to be sure, but it is just a little too prideful to include yourself in such a book. His first self quote appears on the very first page of quotes. What his self inclusion does do, however is illustrate the difference between the truly brialliant thoughts and those that aren't. Shanahan's editorial job is delightful, his self promotion to most brilliant embarassing for him at best.
Rating:
Summary: For the man who has everything!
Review: This is an excellent book for those men who have everything. If you aren't sure if they read or not, this is perfect. It is a great gift for someone you know really well, or for someone you hardly know at all.
Rating:
Summary: Wisdom of the Ages
Review: This is not only an excellent book, but an excellent tool as well. It will arm you with two line pieces of wisdom for your own use or to share with others. I've used some of the quotes in business meetings, out with friends, etc. Everyone should have this one.
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