Famous Last Words

by JonathonGreen (Editor)

• Used

  Paperback
  1997

  $3.39

  This sometimes funny, frequently poignant compilation offers a glimpse at the death-bed departures of kings, courtiers, poets, painters, saints, villains, murderers, and martyrs through the ages. Among the notable parting sentiments are Bing Crosby's breezy sign-off: That was a great game of golf, fellers, Lawrence Oates' farewell to Captain Scott on his mythically ill-fated expedition to the South Pole: I'm just going out. I may be some time..., and Civil War commander General Sedgewick's final miscalculation: They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist--. It is a fascinating record of our final thoughts at the brink of the unimaginable. Jonathan Green is a noted lexicographer and the author of many books, including Slang Down the Ages.

• Used

  Paperback
  2002

  $3.25

  Famous Last Words is a sometimes funny, sometimes moving compilation of the parting phrases of the famous and infamous. With his customary eye for the bizzare and the curious, Jonathon Green provides an incomparable record of our final thoughts. He cleverly highlights the common fears faced at death and the need for the great and the good to leave their mark. Kings, queens, doctors, philosophers, pop stars, movie icons and writers all greet the end in their own inimitable style.