A lively and engaging anthology that celebrates the sharpness, playfulness, and enduring appeal of classic wit. Drawing on a wide range of sources, Barsley curates a rich selection of anecdotes, epigrams, and humorous observations that showcase the art of saying something clever with economy and style.
The book balances literary elegance with genuine amusement, offering readers both light entertainment and a glimpse into the social intelligence behind great humour. Ideal for dipping into or reading at leisure, Wit and Humour is a charming addition for anyone who appreciates refined comedy and the timeless pleasure of a well-turned phrase.
The book remains relevant today because it reminds readers of the enduring human need for wit as a way to interpret, question, and soften the complexities of everyday life. In an age dominated by fast-moving digital content and fleeting jokes, the book offers a slower, more thoughtful form of humour—one rooted in observation, language, and intelligence rather than immediacy.
Its carefully chosen anecdotes and epigrams demonstrate how humour can illuminate social behaviour, expose absurdities, and foster connection across time and cultures. By showcasing wit as both an art form and a coping mechanism, the book speaks directly to modern readers who value insight, elegance, and laughter with substance.
This is a first edition published in 1949. The book is in good condition, with binding firm and intact. The dust jacket is slightly torn at the top spine end
