Jane Johnson et al. Toasts & Quotes (2009) Over 2,000 quotes and proverbs about all manner of subjects. Some of the attributions are suspect, but as far as I can tell, at least 99% are accurate. Reading such a compilation over several days leaves one with a funny buzz in the brain: most of the epigrams are witty, but the wit is often dark. Humour is not the aim, insight is.
A few quotes at random:
Writing free verse is like playing tennis without a net. (Robert Frost)
The White House is the finest jail in the world. (Harry Truman)
It is only when they are wrong that machines remind you how powerful they can be. (Clive James)
Sex is like pizza. Even when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good. (Helen Childress)
An excellent reference work, and fun to read. ***
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