The Oxford Book of Aphorisms

by JohnGross (Editor)

• Used

  Paperback
  1987

  $4.53

  This anthology demonstrates just how rewarding an art-form the aphorism can be, and just how brilliantly the aphorist can reveal the hidden truths or ironies of existence. Containing the wit and wisdom of such writers and philosophers as Marcus Aurelius, La Rochefoucauld, Dr Johnson, Oscar Wilde, Bertrand Russell, and Virginia Woolf, the collection considers the most important human emotions and endeavours, from folly and fame to desire and death. But as the inclusion of a wide variety of statesmen, scientists, boulevardiers, Olympians, and gadflies proves, such luminaries are not alone in the coining of memorable maxims. This book is intended for readers of anthologies, quotations books. Gift book market.

• New

  Paperback
  2003

  $37.68

  This anthology demonstrates to the full 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 including 'Religion', 'Money & Rank', 'Men, Women, Marriage' and 'Politics', 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.