Hill Folks: A History of Arkansas Ozarkers and Their Image

Book Description

The Ozark region, located in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, has long been the domain of the folklorist and the travel writer--a circumstance that has helped shroud its history in stereotype and misunderstanding. With Hill Folks, Brooks Blevins offers the first in-depth historical treatment of the Arkansas Ozarks. He traces the region's history from the early nineteenth century through the end of the twentieth century and, in the process, examines the creation and perpetuation of conflicting images of the area, mostly by non-Ozarkers.

Covering a wide range of Ozark social life, Blevins examines the development of agriculture, the rise and fall of extractive industries, the settlement of the countryside and the decline of rural communities, in- and out-migration, and the emergence of the tourist industry in the region. His richly textured account demonstrates that the Arkansas Ozark region has never been as monolithic or homogenous as its chroniclers have suggested. From the earliest days of white settlement, Blevins says, distinct subregions within the area have followed their own unique patterns of historical and socioeconomic development. Hill Folks sketches a portrait of a place far more nuanced than the timeless arcadia pictured on travel brochures or the backward and deliberately unprogressive region depicted in stereotype.

Customer Reviews:

Place as an idea.......2002-08-11

I am drawn to books that analyze the complex relationship between people and places. Brooks Blevins illuminates the Arkansas Ozarks both as a place and as an idea, and shows the tensions that emerge when a place becomes an idea. The book's subtitle suggests that it is a history, which it is, but I found it intriguing more as a history of the idea of place in general than as the history of a specific region.

Blevins shows the Ozarks where 19th century settlers and their descendents farmed cotton, harvested timber, made barrels, and did other work that drew from the region's resources. Yet, none of these economies was successful on a large scale. The real place was too disconnected, with its interruptive hills, streams and hollows, to allow for large-scale production. With the exception of the far northwest plains areas near Fayetteville, the region never experienced significant economic growth. Farming needed to grow in scale to succeed (hence today's agribusiness), but these hills did not offer enough open expanse to make such farming profitable or even technologically possible. Many left the region for opportunities picking apples in Washington state or cotton in the Delta.

Those remaining adapted by marketing the idea of the Ozarks as place--in this case, a traditional Americana of banjos, fiddles, and homespun crafts. Entrepreneurs with an eye on the tourism industry sold Eureka Springs, Mountain View, and other Ozark towns as centers of Americana folk tourism. Tension grows in Blevin's book toward the later chapters when we see the people having to emulate folk music and craft traditions that were steeped in a romantic idea held by a nation that had left such quaintness behind.

Blevins suggests that residents were displaced by immigrants from the Midwest and elsewhere who were more willing than the locals to play the parts required by this idea of folk Americana. Middle class white retirees from troubled cities in the South and Midwest and elsewhere have moved into the Ozarks, perhaps in search of this illusive idea of a more simple life. It is the same comforting world that has lured world weary music buyers to the soundtrack of "O Brother, Where Art Thou?

The most obvious characteristic of the postmodern time in which we live is that image is reality. The idea of France as portrayed in Disney theme parks, for example, is as real as France itself and less messy. This is an age of simulacra. Blevins' book does not directly make such cultural critiques, but leads the reader to them. Having just spent a relaxing week in the Ozarks, soaking up the music and culture, I then was left to question what I had experienced. The three musicians I played guitar with in front of the grocery store in Marshall-were they doing so because they wanted to or because a larger idea of place engulfed them and tacitly directed their behavior to conform with its folk tourism economy?

In the end perhaps it doesn't matter. My new friends seemed genuinely happy and invigorated by their region's musical identity. A region could be known for worse things than great music. And the Ozarks is the home of Wal-Mart, perhaps the most obvious example of mass marketing economic success.

For contrast, go to the Florida Keys and watch the bored pseudo parrot heads churn out plastic versions of old Jimmy Buffet tunes. Here the idea of place becomes stifling, preventing the natural evolution of a society. And the sheer number of tourists landing for an hour or two on cruise ships has driven locals to the role either of acting out Buffet-like parts or hiding. Blevins' book makes us aware that regions that become too closely identified with a particular mythology can become prisoners of that mythology. He implies that such has happened in the Ozarks, but I see enough vibrancy and cultural authenticity (whatever that may be) to feel comfortable with this idea of place. It is one I will return to, albeit with a slightly more critical ear and eye.

A fascinating study and very enjoyable reading.......2002-04-09

Hill Folks: A History Of Arkansas Ozarkers And Their Image by Brooks Blevins (Professor of History, Ozarka College, Melbourne, Arkansas) is an informed and informative cultural history of the Ozark region that ranges from northern Arkansas down to southern Missouri, and the people who have settled and lived there since the early nineteenth century. A detailed portrait of a land and its people, filled with subtle nuances of daily life through the centuries, Hill Folks is a fascinating study and very enjoyable reading, and a highly recommended addition to Ozark and Arkansas history supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.

Lake of the Ozarks: The Early Years (MO) (Images of America)

Average customer rating:

A History Buff's Delight!

Lake of the Ozarks: The Early Years (MO) (Images of America)
H. Dwight Weaver
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Lake of the Ozarks: Vintage Vacation Paradise (MO) (Images of America)

ASIN: 0738507180
Release Date: 2000-11-09

Book Description

Seventy years ago in the Ozarks of southern Missouri, Bagnell Dam was built across the Osage River, creating the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. Using over 200 images and in- depth captions, author H. Dwight Weaver takes readers back to the origins of this man-made treasure and the towns that surround it. Construction on Bagnell Dam began in 1929, employing thousands of men during the Great Depression. Inundation of the Osage River valley destroyed the area's most fertile farmlands, covered numerous historic sites, and even destroyed Linn Creek, the county seat. But the development also created new towns and a new economy. The images in this new book follow the growth of towns along U.S. Highway 54, including Eldon, Tuscumbia, Bagnell, Osage Beach, and Linn Creek, through the Depression, World War Two, and finally the booming 1950s.

Customer Reviews:

A History Buff's Delight!.......2001-02-24

Primarily through pictures, this book depicts the history of the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri and the surrounding towns. I was fascinated by the over 200 high-quality pictures of the area, including many from before the Lake was flooded. Anyone interested in this area of Missouri will enjoy this book immensely.

Lake of the Ozarks: Vintage Vacation Paradise (MO) (Images of America)

Average customer rating:

Lake of the Ozarks: Vintage Vacation Paradise (MO) (Images of America)
H. Dwight Weaver
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Lake of the Ozarks: The Early Years (MO) (Images of America)
A Living History of the Ozarks

ASIN: 0738519650

Book Description

When the Union Electric Company finished constructing Bagnell Dam in 1931, they had done more than build a source of electrical poweróthey had created a vacation paradise. Bordered by lush hills and ancient bedrock, the Lake of the Ozarks covers more than 50,000 acres. Since the opening of the lakeís first boat docks, three generations of visitors have spent countless days relaxing by its waters. H. Dwight Weaver reconstructs these lazy days, offering readers a vintage tour of one of Americaís favorite destinations. ÝÝEach generation witnessed the areaís growth, from rustic rock masonry buildings to gravity-defying mystery houses. While travelers in the 1930s and 40s came seeking respite from the Great Depression and World War II, their children and grandchildren returned in happier times, drawn back by the natural beauty and man-made wonders, as illustrated in these historic images. ÝÝ

Golf in the Ozarks (MO) (Images of Sports)

Average customer rating:

Missouri Golf Lovers

Golf in the Ozarks (MO) (Images of Sports)
Monte McNew
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

History of Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Golf | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0738540331
Release Date: 2006-05-24

Book Description

In the early 1900s, southwest Missouri, also known as the Ozarks, quickly became a golferÂ's retreat. Professionals such as Walter Hagen and the legendary gambler Titanic Thompson toured the area and tested their skills against locals Horton Smith, Ky Laffoon, and others. Over the years, tour professionals including Hale Irwin, Payne Stewart, and Cathy Reynolds developed their games on the Ozark fairways. Today southwest Missouri can proudly claim the winners of five U.S. Opens, three Masters, one PGA Championship, and well over 100 professional tournaments. Golf in the Ozarks will take readers on a tour of Â“everything golfÂ” in the region, from course and player histories to local tournaments.

Customer Reviews:

Missouri Golf Lovers.......2007-01-09

This was a gift for my avid golfer father. He said he has enjoyed reading about people and place that he knows, not to mention good ol' SW Missouri pros.

Early Ozarks, The: A Family's Journey (MO) (Images of America)

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Early Ozarks, The: A Family's Journey (MO) (Images of America)
Karol Brown , Nancy Maschino Brown , and Leola Maschino
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Images of the Ozarks (Images of Missouri)

Average customer rating:

Ozark Beauty

Images of the Ozarks (Images of Missouri)

Manufacturer: University of Missouri Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Nature & Wildlife | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Photo Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Travel with Pets | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0826211917

Customer Reviews:

Ozark Beauty.......2007-01-31

The Ozarks are known for their natural beauty and grace. No book can more fully capture both the complexity and simplicity of the area as well as Images of the Ozarks. Travel the area with some of the region's best photographers as they capture the Ozarks in their full splendor. With each turn of the page, the reader will find themselves more and more eager to visit each scene in person.

Average customer rating:

Like a lovely old postcard
An impressive showcase of tourism-related advertisements

See the Ozarks: The Touristic Image
Leland Payton , and Crystal Payton
Manufacturer: Lens & Pen Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Photo Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Ozark tourism is booming. It's safe. It's affordable. It's within a day's drive for 50 percent of the population. And last year more than 8 million visited Branson. What brings people to the region and has kept them coming back for more than a century? Is the appeal of this fabled region the same today as it was in bygone days? Leland and Crystal Payton have searched for the essential image of this celebrated touristic magnet in yesterday's promotions, postcards, photographs, maps, and souvenirs.

More than 300 photographs of rare memorabilia, nostalgic family snapshots, travel brochures and souvenirs evoke the color and character of vacations past in this handsome new book. See The Ozarks: The Touristic Image is the first book to capture the Ozarks' distinctive vacation culture. The lively tale of how each attraction developed provides priceless insights for today's savvy traveler.

Customer Reviews:

Like a lovely old postcard.......2003-02-26

A must-read for anyone who loves the Ozarks, or lives in the Ozarks, or is simply curious about this region that once lured Victorian travelers in search of healing waters. The stories of ambitious capitalists who came seeking their fortunes are especially fun, and the images -- from kitschy ashtrays to truly lovely photos of fellas showing off their catch of the day and ladies in respectable bathing ensembles -- remind us why this region was called "the sportsman's paradise, the tired man's retreat, and the end of the artist's dream."

An impressive showcase of tourism-related advertisements.......2003-02-10

Collaboratively compiled, written and presented by photographer Leland Payton and travel writer Crystal Payton, See The Ozarks: The Touristic Image is an engaging and impressive showcase of tourism-related advertisements and memorabilia that have lured travelers to the Ozarks since before the era of the horseless carriage. Full-color photographs and insightful narrative concerning the appeal of the Ozarks as a vacation spot then and now fill the pages of this highly recommended treasure trove of American regional and advertising history.

Average customer rating:

Very enlightening
Authors Personal Review

Ozark (MO) (Images of America)
Michelle Korgis-Fitzpatrick
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

The name Ozark comes from the French Aux Arcs. The town of Ozark may have gotten its name because it is at the bend of the creek. Today the term Ozark refers to the large upland region that covers parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Ozark, Missouri is nestled in the hills of this region and serves as the county seat of Christian County. This book looks at Ozark's 150 year history, using vintage photographs from the Pegram Collection to capture the spirit of the town and surrounding areas. Ozark has long prided itself on its hospitality, and that is evident here in the images of people, events, schools, railroads, and more that have made Ozark the warm and friendly town it is today. ÝÝ

Customer Reviews:

Very enlightening.......2006-11-24

I have lived in Ozark for the last 20 years and have never known most of the history printed in this book. Great work.

Authors Personal Review.......2004-01-21

I really enjoyed doing the book and I'm sure that whoever decides to buy the book, it will delight them.

Ozarks beats summer-only image. (northwest Arkansas tourism): An article from: Arkansas Business

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Ozarks beats summer-only image. (northwest Arkansas tourism): An article from: Arkansas Business
Katherine Shurlds
Manufacturer: Journal Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00092SW6I
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Arkansas Business, published by Journal Publishing, Inc. on October 11, 1993. The length of the article is 1464 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Ozarks beats summer-only image. (northwest Arkansas tourism)
Author: Katherine Shurlds
Publication: Arkansas Business (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 11, 1993
Publisher: Journal Publishing, Inc.
Volume: v10 Issue: n41 Page: p42(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Using Landsat images to detect oak decline in the Mark Twain National Forest, Ozark Highlands [An article from: Forest Ecology and Management]

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Using Landsat images to detect oak decline in the Mark Twain National Forest, Ozark Highlands [An article from: Forest Ecology and Management]
C. Wang , Z. Lu , and T.L. Haithcoat
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000PDT7KQ

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Forest Ecology and Management, published by Elsevier in 2007. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
Following the severe drought in 1999-2000 there was a widespread outbreak of oak decline in the Ozark Highlands. Over 400,000ha of dead and dying oak trees were observed by the USDA Forest Service in this region. Although oak forests that are dead can be easily interpreted from air photos or classified from satellite images, it is difficult to detect dying trees that are still green but will die back or recover in the following years. In this study, we applied a normalized difference water index (NDWI) to map the continuous forest dynamics related to oak decline. The Landsat TM image in 1992 and the ETM+ image in 2000 were processed to calculate the differential NDWI which revealed moisture variation primarily caused by the drought and the associated red oak borers. A simple thresholding method was used to map oak dying back, recovery and non-change areas in the study area. The died-back areas were extracted from the modified land use/land cover maps created by the Missouri Resource Assessment Partnership (MoRAP). The forest dynamics map was compared with the online FIA database in which tree species at randomly selected sites were recorded in 1989 and 2003. The overall accuracy of forest dynamics mapping with remote sensing imagery was 75.95%. The user's accuracy of dying/recovery area mapping was also high although the producer's accuracy is questionable because of the limitation in ground data collection. The continuous dying/recovery map in this study could provide valuable information on the prediction of oak decline and evaluation of damage when another period of environmental stresses occurs.

Bodybuilding 201: Everything You Need to Know to Take Your Body to the Next Level
Average customer rating:

Not the best book, but not the worst either.

Dr. Wolff will not let you down!

Great Book!

A must have for everyone who wants a better body!

A must have!!! This book has EVERYTHING!!!

Bodybuilding 201: Everything You Need to Know to Take Your Body to the Next Level
Robert Wolff
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Bodybuilding & Weight Training | Training | Sports | Subjects | Books
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All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
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Bodybuilding 101 : Everything You Need to Know to Get the Body You Want

Ironman's Ultimate Bodybuilding Encyclopedia

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Strength Training Anatomy: `

Natural Bodybuilding

Accessories:

Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

ASIN: 0071413219

Book Description

"Robert Wolff has changed untold numbers of people's lives all over the world with his knowledge and words of wisdom when he wrote for my magazines. I'm happy to say, with this new book, he can do the same for you." --Joe Weider

Following the tremendous success of fitness and motivation authority Robert Wolff's introduction to bodybuilding, Bodybuilding 201 is Wolff's next "course" in building a better body.

Designed for intermediate and advanced people of all ages, this new motivational guide offers:

More than 50 new routines
The latest research on exercise, nutrition, and health
Injury-prevention tips
Specialized training for each body type plus hundreds of photos that explain each exercise step-by-step

Customer Reviews:

Not the best book, but not the worst either........2007-07-23

This is only an okay book. Certainly not one that I refer to as I work on my training. The information is kind of basic, and there is an overtone of mass marketing to it. Hard to put your finger on exactly, but it's kind of fluffy. Some of the exercises are bizarre, like doing squats with no weight and holding onto a post (not to be confused with a sissy squat), calf raises with no weight, etc. Remember, this is supposed to be for intermediate lifters. People reading this book could end up wasting a lot of time in trial and error. The point of buying books is to avoid that. I would recommend Natural Bodybuilding by John Hansen for an experienced beginner instead of this book. He is a lot more to the point, and he has real advice to offer.

There is one element that really just makes me want to laugh...the female model they use to show about half the exercises. Imagine, if you will, a very tall, very, very skinny woman with HUGE fake breasts barely contained in a tiny, string sport bra trying to demonstrate weightlifting. She is also grinning and wide-eyed throughout, and has long hair that is not tied up. This looks so ridiculous...how can anyone take this seriously?? Were all the fitness and figure girls tied up that day, and they just could not find a single one for the photo shoot???

Newsflash-- If you work out half naked, with your hair all over the place, and lift weights that are so light that you never lose the smile from your face, you aren't going to accomplish anything. Women have to work very hard just like men to make gains.

Dr. Wolff will not let you down!.......2004-03-12

Read my other reviews of Dr. Wolff's books because I have read several of his books and I am proud to have them in my collection. Truthfully, they are all I need since they cover everything you need to know!

Bodybuilding 201 is meant to build on your current experience and results to take it further or get past your sticking points.

My advice for the new or experienced - start with BodyBuilding 101, then read his Book of Great Workouts, to get your base of knowledge. Then read this book while you are hitting the gym and getting amazing results.
Remeber, amazing results come slowly, over time. You cannot see that 1/4 inch of growth but it is there. Little by little it all adds up and before you know it, your a completely changed person!
Dr. Wolff teaches you how.

All of Dr. Wolff's books teach you technique, proper diet, and truly give you a solid education in all areas of working out - supplements, exercises, routines, fact and fiction.

My game plan for you- buy the 3 books I mentioned(and any others Dr. Wolff has written!!), read them in the order I described and start working out once your done. While your building your body over the next 6 months to a year, spend the time wisely by reading his other books and crafting your gameplan further. Don't rush into it. Just build your base slowly and after the proper amount of time has passed, try the next level of techniques.

Robert Wolff gives you proven and time tested material, coupled with his own personal experience. He goes over proper diet, proper technique and methodology to get you started off on the right foot. All of us are different and what works in the magazine interviews of the Pro bodybuilders probably will not work for you.

Did I mention that the author really will answer your e-mail questions!! Yes, I have had actually direct communication with him. He answered my questions and was more than happy to help!!!

Forget Atkins, South Beach, and all the other hype out there. Read and learn from Dr. Wolff.

Great Book!.......2004-02-23

Excellent practical information. Not the normal 'cookie-cutter' info on training. Cutting edge info. Would recommend for advanced and beginners alike. Workable for the natural athlete.

A must have for everyone who wants a better body!.......2003-12-29

This book is a must have! I am a personal trainer and fitness director and I found this to be one of the best books that I have read. If you want a book that covers a little of everthing, then this book is well worth the money. Robert Wolff is one of the best authors that I have found. This book has helped me with my fitness, so let this book help you reach your fitness goals!

A must have!!! This book has EVERYTHING!!!.......2003-12-27

Robert Wolff has done it again!!! This time, his new book teaches advanced and experienced bodybuilders how to get the winning edge without drugs, this is the most complete bodybuilding book I've ever read!!! My advise to every1 lookin 2 build a better body is to get Bodybuilding 101 and for those looking to build a championship physique to get both bodybuilding 101 and bodybuilding 201!!! This is a book that I'm sure will eventually be passed on from generation to generation...

BOTTOM LINE: BUY THIS BOOK!!!

Viva la Repartee: Clever Comebacks and Witty Retorts from History's Great Wits and Wordsmiths
Average customer rating:

Very entertaining -- and educational!

BE WARNED!

Felicitous, Malicious, Salacious... Delicious!

Viva la Repartee

How I Wish I'd Said That...

Viva la Repartee: Clever Comebacks and Witty Retorts from History's Great Wits and Wordsmiths
Mardy Grothe
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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Oxymoronica: Paradoxical Wit & Wisdom From History's Greatest Wordsmiths

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Phillips' Book of Great Thoughts & Funny Sayings: A Stupendous Collection of Quotes, Quips, Epigrams, Witticisms, and Humorous Comments. For Personal Enjoyment and Ready Reference.

ASIN: 0060789484
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Book Description

Everyone knows the sensation of utter regret that occurs once you've hung up the phone or said your goodbyes, and that perfect turn of phrase or witty remark comes to your mind with absolute clarity much too late. Viva La Repartee pays humble homage to those brilliant and rare responses throughout history that were expressed at the perfect moment and delivered with an aplomb that will have you pumping your fist with sweet satisfaction. From politicians and authors to entertainers and philosophers, Mardy Grothe has assembled the ultimate collection of comebacks, retorts, rejoinders, and banter from some of history's greatest wordsmiths, including Oscar Wilde, Woody Allen, Dorothy Parker, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Dolly Parton, Albert Einstein, and much more. As entertaining as it is intellectually nourishing, Viva La Repartee is sure to arrest the attention of language lovers everywhere.

Download Description

For most of us, that perfect retort or witty reply often escapes us when we need it most, only to come to mind with perfect clarity when it's too late to be useful. The twentieth-century writer Heywood Broun described this all-too-common phenomenon when he wrote ""Repartee is what we wish we'd said.""

In Viva la Repartee, Dr. Mardy Grothe, author of Oxymoronica, has lovingly assembled a collection of masterfully composed -- and perfectly timed -- replies that have turned the tables on opponents and adversaries. This delightful volume is a celebration of the most impressive retorts, ripostes, rejoinders, comebacks, quips, ad-libs, bon mots, off-the-cuff comments, wisecracks, and other clever remarks ever to come out of the mouths -- and from the pens -- of people throughout history. Touching on all areas of human endeavor, including politics, the arts, literature, sports, relationships, and even the risqué, the book features contributions from Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Dorothy Parker, Mae West, Groucho Marx, Winston Churchill, Dolly Parton, and scores more.

As entertaining as it is intellectually enriching, Viva la Repartee is sure to capture the attention of language lovers and is the perfect antidote for anyone who's ever thought I wish I'd said that!

Customer Reviews:

Very entertaining -- and educational!.......2006-07-11

Entertaining little book packed full of examples of great comebacks and wit from a variety of different times, different people, and different circumstances. The book is broken down into chapters focusing on a specific type of repartee, such as "Classic Quips," "Laconic Repartee," "Stage & Screen Repartee," and "Inadvertent Repartee" (as well as many others). Some of them made me laugh out loud, and usually those were coming from the same three people: Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, and Dorothy Parker. But there were a gazillion I'd never heard of that were pretty hilarious as well. This is an engaging, funny, and educational (really, it is!) book that I enjoyed reading quite a bit. Great for when you only have time for short snatches of reading. I've learned a lot of slammin' comebacks I hope to have a chance to use soon!

My one complaint about the book, though, is that it was missing the best witty laconic (extremely brief) response of all time. During the Battle of the Bulge in WWII, the Germans sent a message to the American army demanding our unconditional surrender, or else we'd be annihilated. General McAuliffe's one word response? "Nuts!" Damn, I just love that one. Recommended!

BE WARNED!.......2006-05-28

Much as overindulgence on bon-bons can lead to deleterious effects, so can feasting on too many bon mots. After staying up late and stuffing myself on the witticisms of George Bernard Shaw, Dorothy Parker, and company, I found myself looking for any angle to slip in a quip. And after reading this amusing and well-researched book, I am loaded with ammo.

Felicitous, Malicious, Salacious... Delicious!.......2006-03-25

This is a wonderful book that introduced me to many great quips and one-liners I had never before heard, even from the legends like Winston Churchill, Dorothy Parker and Mark Twain. Grothe's little proem before each quip gives great context and makes them even more unforgettable.

This is a great gift to give yourself, or - for that matter - to anyone who enjoys dancing, sparring or fencing with that most able of partners, the English language.

Viva la Repartee.......2006-02-28

Amusing book to keep by your favorite reading chair. Something I will pick up and re-read.

How I Wish I'd Said That..........2006-02-26

...or a reasonable facsimile thereof. I ordered this book as a present for my daughter who is in early her forties and is an attorney in family law. I speed-read the book and found it really entertaining. My daughter loved it! I wrote in my dedication, "perhaps you can use a couple of these in court." THAT certainly would add excitement to those court hearings!

Viva la Repartee: Clever Comebacks and Witty Retorts from History's Great Wits and Wordsmiths

Average customer rating:

Viva la Repartee: Clever Comebacks and Witty Retorts from History's Great Wits and Wordsmiths
Mardy Grothe
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEWQ7M

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