Oxford Book of Aphorisms
An aphorism is "a short pithy statement or maxim," but beneath this definition lies a wealth of wit and insight to which neither the word nor a brief description can do justice.

This anthology demonstrates just how rewarding an art form the aphorism can be, and just how brilliantly the aphorist can illuminate the hidden truth, or lay bare the ironies of existence. Specific sections on desires and longings, self-doubt, fame and reputations, happiness and sorrow, cover the whole range of aphoristic literature. This book brings together the most diverse figures--the classic aphorists, like La Rochefoucauld; the philosophers, from the Greeks to Samuel Johnson to Virginia Woolf--as well as statesmen, scientists, boulevardiers, Olympians, and gadflies. John Gross draws on their wisdom and wit to produce an anthology that will be referred to time and time again.
1100468279
Oxford Book of Aphorisms
An aphorism is "a short pithy statement or maxim," but beneath this definition lies a wealth of wit and insight to which neither the word nor a brief description can do justice.

This anthology demonstrates just how rewarding an art form the aphorism can be, and just how brilliantly the aphorist can illuminate the hidden truth, or lay bare the ironies of existence. Specific sections on desires and longings, self-doubt, fame and reputations, happiness and sorrow, cover the whole range of aphoristic literature. This book brings together the most diverse figures--the classic aphorists, like La Rochefoucauld; the philosophers, from the Greeks to Samuel Johnson to Virginia Woolf--as well as statesmen, scientists, boulevardiers, Olympians, and gadflies. John Gross draws on their wisdom and wit to produce an anthology that will be referred to time and time again.
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Oxford Book of Aphorisms

Oxford Book of Aphorisms

Oxford Book of Aphorisms

Oxford Book of Aphorisms

Overview

An aphorism is "a short pithy statement or maxim," but beneath this definition lies a wealth of wit and insight to which neither the word nor a brief description can do justice.

This anthology demonstrates just how rewarding an art form the aphorism can be, and just how brilliantly the aphorist can illuminate the hidden truth, or lay bare the ironies of existence. Specific sections on desires and longings, self-doubt, fame and reputations, happiness and sorrow, cover the whole range of aphoristic literature. This book brings together the most diverse figures--the classic aphorists, like La Rochefoucauld; the philosophers, from the Greeks to Samuel Johnson to Virginia Woolf--as well as statesmen, scientists, boulevardiers, Olympians, and gadflies. John Gross draws on their wisdom and wit to produce an anthology that will be referred to time and time again.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780192804563
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication date: 04/24/2003
Series: Oxford Books of Prose
Edition description: New Edition
Pages: 394
Product dimensions: 7.73(w) x 5.07(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

John Gross is former editor of The Times Literary Supplement and was on the staff of the New York Times from 1983 to 1988. He has been theatre critic of the Sunday Telegraph since 1989 and is the editor of other Oxford anthologies.

Table of Contents

IntroductionAphorists & Aphorisms INatureMankindLifeDesires & LongingsFears, Hopes, PassionsDesign and ChanceIndividualsThe Sense of IdentitySelf-LoveSelf-KnowledgeSelf-DoubtOne Among ManyFame & ReputationThe Arts of SuccessAction & AchievementMoney & RankThe Social FabricLove, Jealousy, LibidoHappiness & SorrowGood & Eviletc
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