Elements of Wit Paperback – Illustrated, 7 October 2014

Totally not the book you think it is. The only witty thing about this is how the author sucks you in to thinking this will be worth the money. The writing style he uses - talking to the reader as if delivering a lecture to you personally is annoying. Lots of added verbiage to increase the page count.

A Tour de Force on Wit and How To Be InterestingThis is delightful and thoroughly engaging book that takes a detailed look at the greatest practitioners of wit including the Oscar Wilde, who Errett shows was not nearly as clever or spontaneous with his witticisms as one might think, to Oscar Levant, rapper Jay Z, and comedian Russell Brand, who all truly excel at this art. It become obvious throughout the book that most great wits were not good conversationalists, which requires one be a good listener. You will pick up a lot of good tips for becoming more interesting, which the author demonstrates has much more to do with being interested than being able to make quick biting or ironic remarks.

Currently reading but fascinating so far. It gets straight into the meat of the study and isn't overly filled with fluff talk like other books. There's a whole chapter of why Jay Z is the wittiest man alive, and I agree after reading the argument. Loving the book so far.

Benjamin Errett gives a brief introduction to modern wit and how it fits into British/American culture. Written in a casual tone with its own attempts at humor and wit, the book spends the majority of its effort in showing why wit is important. At time he tries to break the subject down to a formula, but admits one does not exist. This is more of a collection of observations about those society considers witty than either a sociological and psychological study of the topic. A fun read that might let you look at conversations a bit differently. Please do not try and use this to be ‘witty’ at your next office party!

Interesting & clever!!