Humour collections and anthologies Books

Book Synopsis**QUIETLY HOSTILE - THE HILARIOUS NEW BOOK FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR - IS AVAILABE TO PRE-ORDER NOW**''Irby might be our great bard of quarantine.'' New York Times''SO funny. Samantha Irby makes staying in feel like like a luxury, and reminds you that going out is actually quite annoying. I laughed out loud so much reading this -- I honestly couldn''t be more in awe of her.'' Sara PascoeStaring down the barrel of her fortieth year, Samantha Irby is confronting the ways her life has changed since the days she could work a full 11 hour shift on 4 hours of sleep, change her shoes and put mascara on in the back of a moving cab and go from drinks to dinner to the club without a second thought. Recently, things are more ''Girls Gone Mild.'' In Wow, No Thank You Irby discusses the actual nightmare of living in a rural idyll, weighs in on body negativity (loving yourself is a full-time job with shitty benefits) and poses the essential question: Sure sex is fun but have you ever googled a popular meme?''Samantha Irby is the king of sparkling misanthropy and tender, loving dread.'' Jia Tolentino''A laugh. A fart. A snort. Or some combination thereof. Be prepared to totally lose control of the noises that come out of your body while reading the latest essay collection from humor writer Samantha Irby.'' Bustle''The only writer who can make me laugh with abandon in public... Her signature irreverence is intact, of course, but it can''t mask the heart she leaves bleeding on the page.'' Elle''Samantha Irby is hilarious... Nothing is off limits and I love it.'' Candice Carty-Williams

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Book Synopsis''What guts. What attitude! These are the immortals I wish I'd learned about at school.''OLIVIA COLMAN Channel the feminist power of mythical goddesses in this witty, inspirational gift book. ''Wonderful.'' CERYS MATTHEWSWhether it's the Norse warrior goddess Freya breaking all the rules, the Yoruba goddess Oshun being unafraid to ask for what she's owed, or the Japanese goddess Uzume finding humour and playfulness in even the most embarrassing of situations: this fierce and fantastic tour of 25 ancient deities reclaims these feminist icons for a new generation.Why settle for mere mortal excellence when you could be living like a goddess?Divinely illustrated by Georgia Perry, You Goddess! will help you conquer today's world.

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Book SynopsisFrom the writer of Knocked Up, Pineapple Express and Superbad, and the director of This is 40 and Trainwreck, comes a collection of intimate, hilarious conversations with the biggest names in comedy from the past thirty yearsTrade Review'The funniest man in Hollywood' Sunday Times'Hilarious and informative... my representatives assure me I will appear in a future edition' Will Ferrell'I can't stop reading it... I don't want this book to end' Jimmy Fallon'Anyone interested in comedy should invest' Heat'It's funny (natch), gossipy, page-turningly readable and packed with hard-won observations about showbusiness and life' GQ'Open this book anywhere, and you're bound to find some interesting nugget from someone who has had you in stitches many, many times' New York Times'These are wonderful, expansive interviews-at times brutal, at times breathtaking-with artists whose wit, intelligence, gaze, and insights are all sharp enough to draw blood' Michael Chabon

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Book SynopsisThese days there are rules for everything and terrible consequences for disobeying them. Find out how easy it is tie yourself in knots with Red Tape . . .''Your call is important to us,'' says the lady on the help-line.The call is important because it is currently making the company 48p per minute.''__________''Sam has forgotten her password so she cannot access her e-mail account.She can reset her password using a memorable name, but she has forgotten her memorable name too, so the account locks.Sam automatically receives a link so she can reset her password.It is sent to her e-mail account.''__________This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent repetition and the thoughtful matching of text with pictures all enable grown-ups

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Book SynopsisTHE PERFECT GIFT for the Do-Gooder in your life. (Don''t you just hate them?)_________________________________________________The do-gooder does all sorts of crazy things. It can be something as easy as running a marathon, or as difficult as dressing up.To make this eccentric behaviour seem less like a cry for help or the beginnings of a substantial personal crisis, the do-gooder does it for charity._________________________________________________ Vernon has a job as a street fundraiser for the R.N.L.I. He wears a high-visibility jacket, a high visibility and high visibility trousers.Everybody on the street still pretends they cannot see him._________________________________________________This delightful book is the latest in the series of Ladybird books which have been specially planned to help grown-ups with the world about them. The large clear script, the careful choice of words, the frequent re

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Book SynopsisHilaire Belloc was born in France in 1870. As a child, he moved with his mother and siblings to England. As a French citizen, he did his military service in France before going to Oxford University, where he was president of the Union debating society. He took British citizenship in 1902 and was a member of parliament for several years.A prolific and versatile writer of over 150 books, he is best remembered for his comic and light verse. But he also wrote extensively about politics, history, nature and contemporary society. Famously adversarial, he is remembered for his long-running feud with H. G. Wells. He died in in Surrey, England, in 1953.

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Book Synopsis'Optimism, mojo, complete bollocks. That's what the country is crying out for.'There is now only one certainty in life. When things can't possibly get worse, they absolutely will. And so, after three years of Maybot malfunctioning and Brexit bungling, welcome to BoJo the clown's national circus - where fun for none of the family is guaranteed. Fear not, however: Decline and Fail is your personal survival guide to the ongoing political apocalypse. This unremittingly entertaining collection of John Crace's lifegiving political sketches will get you through the darkest of days - or failing that, will at least help you see the funny side. Miss it at your peril...

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Book SynopsisShort, quick-fire jokes have been popular for centuries. Indeed the world’s oldest surviving joke book, the Philogelos, which was written in Ancient Greek, contains this classic doctor joke: Patient: “Doctor! When I wake up I’m all dizzy. Then after half an hour I feel fine.” Doctor: “Well, wait half an hour before waking up.” Meanwhile in Rome, they had a gag for every occasion, from senate orations and lavish feasts to throwing Christians to the lions. A Cicero stand-up gig was the hottest ticket in town. Shakespeare readily slipped one-liners into his comedies, while medieval jesters used pithy quips to amuse the royal court, well aware that if the joke backfired and somehow offended the monarch, their next audience might be with the executioner. “Dying on stage” carried a more sinister meaning for comedians in those days. It’s not hard to see why one-liners remain in vogue with today’s comedians. They are easy to remember, quick to deliver and if one gag dies on its feet, the next is waiting in the wings, hopefully to a better reception. Here is a compilation of the best one-liners around – a heady mix of old and new favourites, Dad jokes, thoughtful musings, corny puns and witty observations, covering a vast range of topics from Families to Fish, Money to Music, Relationships to Religion and Technology to Travel. They can be used to brighten up business conferences where the delegates are as tired as the sandwiches; dinner parties where the conversation is threatening to slide into a discussion about spreadsheets; seemingly interminable Zoom calls; and, of course, speeches at weddings that are so emotional that even the cake is in tiers.

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Book SynopsisRipley’s has spent 100 years compiling strange-but-true facts from around the world. Now, the most extraordinary stories from the last century are brought together in a single colourful volume.Featured Believe It Or Not stories include:· The chicken that lived for months without its head· The man who swallowed seven swords at once· The jockey who died while riding his horse – but won the race anywayWith spectacular photos throughout, 100 Best Believe It Or Not Stories is a must-have for any Ripley’s fan.Incredibly hard to believe. Undeniably true!

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Book SynopsisWhen I Were a Lad… looks at the glorious-yet-risky childhoods of yesteryear before the Health and Safety officers told us we couldn’t do everything because it was too dangerous. The sleeper hit of Christmas 2009 – more than 4,000 copies sold through Bookscan. A book to send shivers down the spine of any parent who has spent years protecting their children from the slightest bump and bash. A glorious romp though some of the most reckless photos from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s, tagged with side-splitting captions. Ah, the past. A time when children could play in the snow without a helmet, crampons and a risk assessment report. When footballs were made from rhino hide and cricket was played with one pad, if you were lucky. When I Were a Lad… looks at the glorious-yet-risky childhoods of yesteryear before the Health and Safety officers told us we couldn’t do everything because it was too dangerous. It reflects on a time when children were allowed in with the animals at London Zoo; a time before the car seatbelt was invented (let alone used); a time when you were allowed to dress up endangered species in goalkeeping kit and take penalties against them. The authors have trawled through the major historic archives to find some glorious photo opportunities where the safety angle of the participants was the last thing anyone thought of. Children perch happily on lethal, limb-mangling machinery, stand all-smiles on live crocodiles, feed brown bears with their hands and get scooped from the street by passing tram conductors! These truly were the days that Health and Safety forgot, back when I were a lad…

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Book SynopsisPeanuts is the most popular comic strip in the history of the world. Its characters - Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, and so many more - have become dearly loved icons for generation after generation. Now Charles Schulz's classic, Peanuts, will be reprinted in its entirety for the first time. In these beautifully produced editions, the strip will be presented in full in chronological order. They will be the ultimate books for Peanuts' fans the world over. These first volumes will be of particular fascination to Peanuts aficionados. Many of the strips from the series' first two or three years have never been collected before, in large part because they showed a young Schulz working out the kinks in his new strip. They include some characterizations and designs that are quite different from the cast we all know, including Snoopy's debut as a puppy!Trade ReviewThese timely re-issues illustrate not only the skill and subtle brilliance of his work but also the origins of the form beyond simple merriment. * * The List * *

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Book SynopsisThe Mr Men and Little Miss have been tickling children for generations with their funny and charming antics. This series gives adults the chance to laugh along as the Mr Men and Little Miss try to cope with the very grown-up world around them. Featuring Roger Hargreaves classic artwork alongside hilariously funny new text.Some of the Little Misses are going to be mums and they''re approaching the news in the only way they know how. Little Miss Curious has a million questions, Little Miss Tidy is planning the perfect birth and nursery and Little Miss Greedy is eating her body weight in pickles. Will pregnancy and new motherhood be all they expect it to be?The perfect book for any mum-to-be who is excited and nervous about what motherhood might bring.Trade ReviewThe colourful characters have been delighting children since Mr Tickle first appeared on bookshelves in 1971.The IndependentThe timeless Mr Men books capture modern stereotypes perfectly.The TelegraphThe Mr Men and Little Miss characters remain a cultural phenomenon, whose impact is felt far beyond the nursery bookshelf.The Telegraph

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Book SynopsisBrian Bilston has been described as Twitter's unofficial Poet Laureate. With over 400,000 followers on social media, Brian has become truly beloved by the online community. He has published three collections of poetry, You Took the Last Bus Home; Alexa, what is there to know about love?; and Days Like These. His novel Diary of a Somebody was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award. He has also published a collection of football poetry, 50 Ways to Score a Goal, and his acclaimed poem Refugees has been made into an illustrated book for children.

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Book SynopsisInspired by the wit and wisdom of the Right Honourable John Bercow MP, arguably the only MP to come out of Westminster's handling of Brexit with a shred of dignity, Be More Bercow will help you declare orr-derrr in your life.Every day we are faced with a multitude of polarized views: at home, at work and on social media. But how should we navigate these choppy and socially precarious waters? Who is going to put some order and structure to this crazy upside-down world we have found ourselves in? The answer is YOU!Comprising witty quotes from the man himself ('I don't want to crawl over the entrails of past disputes'), fun self-improving activities (sort elements of your life into the 'noes' and 'ayes' lobbies, unlock and declare a winner) and inspiring stories from the Speaker (in 1996 to enable himself to attend selection meetings for two safe Conservative seats almost simultaneously, he chartered a helicopter and duly won the nomination for Buckingham). Be More Bercow is the only companion you need for your journey through the Brexit process and beyond.

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Book SynopsisAs a busy mum with a newborn and a toddler, viral sensation Laura Clery has plenty to say about the ups and downs of pregnancy, childbirth, and being the best mum she can be while also balancing career success, sobriety, marriage and creativity. With her engaging and witty voice, she pulls back the curtain on all aspects of her offbeat life, including dealing with addiction and virtual AA meetings during a pandemic and maintaining healthy relationships with her son, daughter, husband, and most importantly, herself. Laura’s life has changed a great deal since she wrote Idiot, but what hasn’t changed is her ability to celebrate the laugh-out-loud moments of everyday life and share the tough times with humour, honesty and heart.

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Book SynopsisTake a dive into the hilarious underwater world of Sherman's Lagoon, where humor, conflict, local politics, and pop culture all collide in an amusing maelstrom of aquatic comedy. New discoveries, travels, and creations are all underway in the Kapupu Lagoon. A search for other sea creatures leads to the discovery of The Wandering Meatloaf and The London Fatberg. But those new creatures aren’t the only ones being found—on land, the Beach Apes have discovered the beaked whale despite Sam’s existence being no secret in the sea. In one of his latest scams, Hawthorne decides to create Crabwarts Academy of Magic. It’s not until Hawthorne grows a rat tail, Fillmore’s walking on flamingo legs, and Sherman’s got a rhino horn that Hawthorne realizes he’s no match for real magic. Dive into the latest Sherman’s Lagoon collection, where you might find that you need this book like a fish needs a bicycle… OK, so maybe a fish doesn’t need a bicycle, but this book is pretty hilarious all the same!

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Book SynopsisA Spike Milligan opus, containing everything from classics to hidden gems, with a foreword by Eddie Izzard.This stunning anthology of Spike Milligan''s work comprises of favourites from his classic books (Adolf Hitler: My Part in his Downfall', Goodbye Soldier', Puckoon') as well as scripts from the now-classic Goon Show. Interspersing such comic genius is also a touching collection of letters and his celebrated and liberating writings on depression, demonstrating the diverse talent of a man whose creative output spanned over half a century.A selection of children''s poetry and writings (Unspun Socks for A Chicken''s Laundry', A Book of Milliganimals', Silly Verse for Kids' and much more) reveals Spike''s irresistible connection with the childlike imagination and a brillant sense of the ridiculous. All the favourite and funniest stories are there. For those who want an excellent introduction to the mind of Milligan or a welcome return to a much-loved genius, this is the ultimate MilligTrade Review‘Wonderful anthology. A superbly sustained piece of comedy. Like so mush else in this collection, these excerpts inspire a return to the source.’ Chris Power, The Times ‘The most comprehensive compendium of the troubled genius' work. This volume spans his entire career…making this a testament to one of our most absurdly talented comedians. Poignant, nonsensical and hilarious. The Essential Spike Milligan is a more than appropriate epitaph.’ Ben Arnold, Jockey Slut ‘A joyous and wondrous thing…Alex Games has done a fine job…A sound and neatly timed volume and perfect for filling a Milligan-shaped gap in anyone’s life.’ Marcus Berkmann, Literary Review ‘Successfully shows why Spike Milligan deserves his place at the heart of British comedy.’ Simon Webster, TLS

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Book SynopsisThe author of the hit parody The Panda, the Cat and the Dreadfully Teddy draws on the simple, idyllic world of Beatrix Potter to shed light on some of the most pertinent issues of our time.Beatrix, a refined and gentle lady, decides to relocate to the countryside to escape the chaotic city and exorbitant house prices of London, in search of a simpler, more holistic life. Looking forward to painting cute rural animals and writing stories about their charming ways, she desires nothing more than to surround herself with nature and to practice mindfulness and kindness. But after months spent in isolation during ?hibernation?, all the local wildlife emerge grumpy, sweary and having forgotten all their social skills ? Jemima Puddleduck has even been cancelled. Will Beatrix?s new small garden and spare room make all this aggro worth it?Trade Review“Refreshing as a quadruple gin and full fat tonic, this subversive and very funny book loosens the laughter corsets and makes you never want to fasten them again. We all need a break from the self-righteous and virtue signallers and Planet Paul Magrs is where it’s at. Love, love LOVED it.” – Milly Johnson

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Book SynopsisAN NPR BOOK-OF-THE-DAY • A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY STAFF PICK • A NYLON MUST-READ • A FORTUNE NEW BOOK TO READ IN AUGUST“And, at the center of it all, am I actually nice or am I just performing a role I think I’m expected to play?” Mia Mercado is a razor-sharp cultural critic and essayist known for her witty and hilarious dissections of the uncomfortable truths that rule our lives. In this thought-provoking collection of new essays, Mercado examines what it means to be “polite,” “agreeable,” and “nice.” She covers topics from the subtleties of the “Bad Bitch” and why women dominate the ASMR market, to what makes her dog an adorable little freak and how you know if you’re shy. This is a book about the unspoken trick mirror of our “good” intentions: the inherent performance of the social media apology, celebrating men when they do the bare minimum, and why we trust a Midwesterner to watch our stuff when we go pee.Throughout, she ponders her identity as an Asian woman and asks what “nice” even means—and why anyone would want to be it. With writing that is as precise as it is profound, and cultural references that range from trash reality television to the New York Times Sunday-morning crossword puzzle, Mercado uncovers weird, long-overdue truths about our frailties and failings. In the end, she sees them not as a source of shame but as a cause for celebration. Filled with revelations that range from the silly to the serious,She’s Nice Though offers a mind-bending glimpse into the illusions and delusions of contemporary life—and reveals who we *really* are when no one is watching.Trade Review"A sharp essay collection that celebrates our collective insecurities and failures." — New York Times Book Review "In these intimate and sharp explorations, Mercado interrogates the origins and edges of her own affability, probing the ways in which gender, race, geography, and other identity markers can shape—or warp—human personality." — Poets & Writers "She’s Nice Though is the latest showcase of Mercado’s searing humor and insight. In her new book, she explores the limitations of being nice and polite. Delving into the cultural expectations of shallow pleasantries, Mercado wonders if there is actual value in being endlessly accommodating and polite. In humorous, relatable essays, Mercado explores this moral conundrum along with participating in the bread craze during the peak of the pandemic, her unique dog, what it’s like to be an Asian American woman living in the Midwest, the less than impressive “social media apology,” and more. " — Shondaland “In this hilarious collection, Mercado explores the concept of what it’s like to be a “nice girl.” She plays with form, including essays written as lists: [e.g.] ways she’ll die because she’s too nice to ask for help. Mercado is half Filipino, and she examines the stereotype of the submissive Asian woman and how that has influenced her life. Mercado’s laugh-out-loud [stories] will delight readers.” — Booklist “Mercado returns with another collection of humorous essays exploring her experience as an Asian woman from the Midwest. . . . Mercado maintains her self-deprecating humor while offering serious reflections on American culture, and the mix hits home. Mercado’s fans will eat this up.” — Publishers Weekly “Mia Mercado's writing is hilarious, warm, relatable, confessional and emotional. Her writing leaps off the page!” — Megan Amram, writer/producer of The Good Place and The Simpsons “A millennial humorist takes on timely topics. . . . An often amusing romp through contemporary issues by a popular humorist.” — Kirkus Reviews "This is a truly funny book...She's Nice Though skewers the full range of definitions—and expectations—of behaving well." — Vanity Fair

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Book SynopsisWriter, broadcaster, and wit Gyles Brandreth has completely revised Ned Sherrin''s classic collection of wisecracks, one-liners, and anecdotes. With over 1,000 new quotations from all media, it''s easy to find hilarious quotes on subjects ranging from Argument to Diets, from Computers to The Weather. Add sparkle to your speeches and presentations, or just enjoy a good laugh in company with Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Joan Rivers, Kathy Lette, Frankie Boyle, and friends. ''Now we have the World Wide Web (the only thing I know of whose shortened form-www-takes three times longer to say than what it''s short for)'' Douglas Adams ''Not only is there no God, but try getting a plumber on weekends'' Woody Allen ''Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight'' Phyllis Diller ''Having a baby is like getting a tattoo on your face. You really need to be certain it''s what you want before you commit'' Elizabeth Gilbert ''The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming Trade ReviewThis recommended dictionary will have people reading cover to cover just for fun. All libraries will want to add this to their reference collections. * Library Journal *Just the source for a quote to enhance any speech or piece of writing, whatever your subject. * Writing Magazine *the BEST bedside book in the world. * Vulpes Libris *A perfect Christmas gift for just about anyone with a sense of humour. * Welsh Border Life *Reviews from previous edition The ultimate guide to the sharpest, wryest and wittiest quips, put-downs and one-liners * Romford Recorder *However you like your humour, there will be something here for you and I defy you to leaf through it and find nothing to bring a smile to the lips. * Herts Advertiser *Does not disappoint... a brilliant manual for writers, after-dinner speakers and best men * South Wales Evening Post *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; How to Use the Dictionary ; List of Themes ; Dictionary ; Author Index ; Keyword Index

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewOne of the year's funniest books ... witty, wise and worth returning to again and again * i Paper *Funny, smart, soulful and sometimes devastating, this book shows life in all its shades. It made me laugh and cry -- Emilie Pine, author of Notes to SelfWarm, wry, charming, absorbing ... It's the most gorgeous and heartbreaking book about humans and why we need each other -- Daisy Buchanan * via Twitter *Funny and adorable -- Nina StibbeI was reminded - very happily reminded - of Kurt Vonnegut. But Patrick Freyne is his own writer and this book is clever, lovely and great, great fun -- Roddy DoylePatrick Freyne has a distinct and enviable gift for story-telling ... Full of humour and tenderness, this book is an absolute JOY -- Sinéad Gleeson, author of ConstellationsOne of the best-written, smartest and gosh-darn-it funniest books I've read in a very long while -- Séamus O'ReillyHilariously, painfully, Freynefully brilliant -- Joseph O'ConnorWhether he's writing about his childhood on a military base, working in a kebab shop with a nazi in his teens, playing in punk bands in his twenties, or grappling with the question of whether to have children, Patrick Freyne is a writer of rare humour, depth, and humanity. These essays are a delight -- Mark O'Connell, author of To Be a MachineA cracking, sad, funny, honest, brave and hilarious read -- Liz Nugent * via Twitter *No one makes me laugh like Patrick Freyne -- Paul HowardSuperb ... The stories move from breathtakingly vulnerable to extraordinarily funny, and all with such skill and lightness of touch. I loved it -- Louise O'NeillI don't know another writer who could balance poignancy and hilarity with such grace ... Goosebumps! Guffaws! It's got it all. I love this book -- Doireann Ní Ghríofa * via Twitter *Guffaw-out-loud funny * Business Post *A riotous read from the get-go ... An absolute tonic for our times * RTÉ Guide *F*cking fantastic. Patrick is a brilliant writer -- Blindboy Boatclub * via Twitter *Lovely ... It's very worth reading -- Dara Ó Briain * via Twitter *A wonderful book ... done with a gorgeous twist of humour and great emotional insight ... One of my books of the year -- Ryan Tubridy * RTÉ Radio 1 *Exquisite ... One of the funniest writers in Ireland * Irish Examiner *Immensely readable, warm, human and very, very funny * Irish Daily Star *Pixies were loud-quiet-loud. Patrick Freyne is funny-sad-funny. I really loved his new book -- Ed O'Loughlin * via Twitter *Readers are sure to find themselves touched by Freyne's writing ... Delightful * Journal.ie *Freyne's thoroughly entertaining debut is a flash of warmth and wit in the darkness * Totally Dublin *Genuinely moving ... [It] will evoke warmth in anyone who isn't totally sociopathic * Hot Press *A delightful insight into the mind of the hilarious Patrick Freyne * Irish Country Magazine *So honest, so funny, and most importantly, 11/10 for self-deprecation -- Sarah BreenBrilliant ... An absolute mind hug -- Niall BreslinFreyne's radar is precision-honed to find the madness within the mundane * Sunday Independent *More moving that I ever expected and somehow funnier than I assumed -- Emer McLysaght * Irish Times, Best Books of 2020 *

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Book SynopsisI've rounded up a rowdy assemblyOf my own Consequential DogsAs counterparts to Eliot's mogs.Mine are a rough and ready bunch:You wouldn't take them out to lunch . . .But if they strike you as friendly, funny,Full of bounce and fond of a romp,Forgetful of poetic pomp,I trust you'll take them as you find themAnd, at the very least, not mind them.T. S. Eliot''s best-selling collection of practical cat poems has been one of the most successful poetry collections in the world.For the first time in company history a companion volume will be published. Originally conceived by Eliot himself, Old Toffer''s Book of Consequential Dog poems are a witty, varied and exquisitely compiled as Eliot''s cats.

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Book SynopsisAll successful people are the same (you know, drive, will to win, determination) ? it?s just too dull to contemplate. But everyone who messes up big time does so in a way that is completely individual.Step forward the fifty Mexican convicts who dug an escape tunnel out of their jail and came up in the courtroom before the judge who sentenced them.Please welcome the world?s worst tourist who spent two days in New York believing he was in Rome.Be thrilled by the man who wrote an English-Portuguese phrasebook without either knowing English or owning an English-Portuguese dictionary.And marvel at the least successful kamikaze pilot who returned from eleven suicide missions, lived to the age of 93 and went on to write an autobiography in which he claimed planes were unsafe.The Not Terribly Good Book of Heroic Failures shows that there really is no limit to what humanity can achieve, celebrating the vast, life-enhancing possibilities of getting it wrong.

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Book SynopsisOxford student pranks

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Book Synopsis“Don’t let it end like this. Tell them I said something.”—Pancho Villa “Drink to me!”—Pablo Picasso A collection of notable last recorded words of the dying, Famous Last Words is bursting with life, hope, wisdom, and often laughter. Here are writers, philosophers, athletes, kings and queens, movie stars, politicians, and more, in all sorts of moods and states of preparedness. Some merely want to say goodbye to loved ones, others want to create a legacy. Ultimately, every one of these parting statements is a reflection of the person behind it. Each is accompanied by a mini-biography of the speaker, including the context of death, from the golf course (“That was a great game of golf, fellers.”—Bing Crosby) to a favorite armchair (“Go on, get out. Last words are for fools who haven't said enough.”—Karl Marx).  

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Book Synopsis''At last, the definitive guide to football phraseology across the world... Sparky and very funny'' Paul Hayward''Amusing and informative in equal measure'' Oliver Kay, The AthleticA wonderful, endlessly delightful book' When Saturday ComesA new edition of an expertly compiled and utterly fascinating compendium of the weird and wonderful words and phrases used to describe football around the world.In this revised glossary of football words and phrases, discover the rich, quirky and joyously creative global language used by fans, commentators and players.From placing a shot ''where the owl sleeps'' in Brazil, to what it means to use your ''chocolate leg'' in the Netherlands, via ''Anglican'' a phrase adopted by Czechs to describe a disputed goal and the now ubiquitous ''it''s coming home'', this comprehensively researched book entertains and informs in equal measure.Discover why a ''Trade ReviewFunny, erudite, rich in detail and endlessly readable. Perfect for anyone who thinks they already know about the language of football. -- Barney Ronay * The Guardian *Sparky and very funny... At last, the definitive guide to football phraseology across the world. The richness of the game's language shines through in this addictive glossary. -- Paul Hayward * Five-time Sports Journalists’ Association Writer of the Year *Amusing and informative in equal measure. Who knew Dundee United commanded such disdain in Nigeria? -- Oliver Kay, The AthleticQuirky, addictive, stuffed with anecdote, it’s far more than a glossary… The writing is precise, light and often lovely. A treat. -- Jonathan Northcroft * Sunday Times *A fascinating and necessary work. -- Jonathan Wilson, founder of The BlizzardEin super Buch! -- Raphael Honigstein, The AthleticA wonderful, endlessly delightful book * When Saturday Comes *There are plenty of books about the language of football already, but surely not one like this: funny, informative and truly global. * 11Freunde *By reading this book, you will discover the complexity, the colour and the power of football’s global language. * Clarence Seedorf *A reminder that there are few better means of celebrating both our differences and similarities than the game of football. * The Guardian *Table of ContentsForeword by Clarence Seedorf Introduction South America Putting it on a Plate - Where Football Meets Food North and Central America Near Unstoppable - Top Corner Terminology Europe Between the Legs - Nutmeg Names Africa Dodgy Keepers - A Glossary of Gaffes Asia Natural Talent - Expressions Inspired by the Animal Kingdom Australasia Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisThis book is cleverer and better looking than you.This book will blow your mind.This book loves you.This Book Loves You is a collection of beautifully illustrated inspirational sayings by which you should live your life. If you follow each and every one, your life will become easier, more fabulous, more rewarding. Imagine what a chilled-out and wonderful human being people would think you were if you lived by the simple principle: ''You can never fail if you never try.'' Your wasted life would be an inspiration to others. Think of all the pointless, unhappy striving you could simply give up. Throw away that guitar! Give up on your dreams! Embrace your astounding mediocrity. This Book Loves You has something for everyone - or at least everyone willing to give up and stop caring. If all else fails, remember: ''Don''t be yourself. Be a pizza. Everyone loves pizza.''PewDiePie was sent to planet Earth to diTrade Reviewpewdiepie literally wrote a bookwhat world are we living -- fan feedbacka book full of useless quotes? GOTTA BUY -- fan feedbackHe can read? -- fan feedbackthis might be the only youtuber book I would actually buy -- fan feedbackMan I never thought a book would love me. -- fan feedbackPewdiepie is the next Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare, JRR Tolkien, And Taylor Swift, all in one person. This piece will remove world hunger, poverty, and my virginity. -- fan feedbackI would get naked and rub jelly over my belly to get this book -- fan feedback

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Book SynopsisTraveling with your partner brings out the best (and maybe sometimes the worst) in your relationship! Whether it's using them as an airplane pillow, melting together in the sun at Disneyland, or bonding over beers cooled in the hotel sink, some of the best adventures are made while abroad! In this Our Super Adventure Travelogue book, Sarah and Stef leave England to find the sweaty magic of L.A, the secret celebrities of San Diego Comic-Con, and the soaring heights of NYC! Plus, bonus photos from their trip!

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Times Book of the YearA New Scientist Gift Pick"Bright, nerdy and funny! Of course I loved it." Dara Ó BriainCan we resurrect dinosaurs? Is a Martian holiday good for your health? Can we build a time machine? (And more importantly, can it look like the DeLorean?)Answering these questions and more, Rick Edwards and Dr Michael Brooks delve into the real science behind the greatest sci-fi movies ever made. From Planet of the Apes to Interstellar, each chapter probes a different classic, blasting apart tricky topics like astrophysics, neuroscience, psychology, botany, artificial intelligence, evolution, and plenty more. Packed with illustrations, bizarre facts and indispensable movie trivia, Science(ish) is the perfect read for curious minds.Trade ReviewBright, nerdy and funny! Of course I loved it. * Dara Ó Briain *Fun, scary answers to the "sci" in sci-fi movies. * The New Scientist *Fascinating and hilarious. * Richard Osman, co-host of Pointless *If you are a geek, a film buff, curious or simply want to know whether you still get BO in space, this is the book you have got to have. * Kate Humble *It's the kind of book I love. -- Joel Dommett * Shortlist *Explores everything from the ins and outs of black holes (Interstellar) to artificial intelligence (Ex Machina)... Edwards and Brooks don't take themselves too seriously and their cartoon heads pop up throughout deconstructing the films wittily while explaining the underlying science simply. * Sunday Times *Deeply funny, academically accomplished, and unfalteringly engaging. Entertaining as it may be, it's difficult to escape the fact that Edwards and Brooks have just made the world of popular science much harder work for the rest of us. * Ben Miller - comedian and author of It’s Not Rocket Science *Table of Contents0: Introduction 1: The Martian 2: Jurassic Park 3: Interstellar 4: Planet of the Apes 5: Back to the Future 6: 28 Days Later 7: The Matrix 8: Gattaca 9: Ex Machina 10: Alien 11: Acknowledgements 12: Index

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Book SynopsisA book full of laugh-out-loud memes that will make you look twice at classic artworks! From Renaissance classics to Romantic favourites, even more historical artworks are given a modern twist with the next in this popular series. What is really going on in these pictures? Dance moves, helmet hair, pub quizzes, dating, rush hour and turmeric lattes all feature here. This compact gift book offers up a unique perspective on art history - one that is sure to make you laugh out loud as the old is juxtaposed with the very new. Ideal for art history buffs with a cracking sense of humour!

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Book SynopsisThe Wicked Wit of England is a celebration of British humour, featuring a collection of stories, anecdotes, quips and quotes that capture the various idiosyncrasies of the English character.If there is one thing that first-time visitors to England find mystifying – along with our obsession with discussing the weather, our pride in making the perfect cup of tea, and our impossible-to-decipher slang – it is our unique sense of humour. Have you just been insulted? Or was the slight merely a demonstration of affection? Was that a genuine compliment? Or is the ever-present sarcasm in English conversation at work again? The dark, dry and often ironic humour of the English can be difficult to get your head around, but there’s no doubting its essentiality at the heart of English culture. As well as celebrating this classic humour, The Wicked Wit of England encompasses the various idiosyncrasies of the English character – the social awkwardness, the constant need to apologize, the stiff upper lip, and the love of queuing, to name but a few. Containing a varied collection of stories, anecdotes, quips and quotes featuring English people from all walks of life, from Quentin Crisp to Frank Skinner and Stephen Hawking to Thora Hird, this book might not help outsiders fully understand the English, but it might help them tolerate us a little more.

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Book SynopsisThe perfect festive game to get the whole family involved this Christmas! ✔All material appropriate for children and adults alike!✔ Beautiful illustrated pocket-size book✔ An ice-breaker for family gatherings, festive parties and summer holidays abroad or at home!✔ As fun a game over Zoom as it is in person!✓ Bring your sense of humour, as there are over 200 ridiculous, thoughtful, hilarious and inventive questions to answer...✔ Organise the family into teams and play as a scored game, or just for fun, to suit your needs!✔ Guaranteed to excite childrens' imaginations, and to get grown-ups talking✔ Definitely better than Richard Herring's book!**Would you rather...** Look ten years older from the neck up, or from the neck down? **Would you rather...** Have everyone always be able to read what you're thinking, or always be able to see what you're doing? **Would you rather...** Lose the ability to lie, or have to believe everything you hear? Get stuck in with friends and family to think your way through over 200 mind-bending, side-splitting hypothetical dilemmas. Guaranteed to split opinions and get everyone talking - and laughing - at your Christmas party, family gathering or festive get-together!

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Book SynopsisLast words can come in all shapes and sizes. From comic quips to profound deathbed wit, shocking and surprising final revelations, delicious puns and too-good turns of phrase, gravestone gags and premature celebrations... or even just awkward and unfortunate quotes the speaker ended up eating.Indeed, this tiny tome is stacked to the rafters with notable people, past, present, who are still very much alive and quipping – though not for long. From the long-time dead to the recently deceased (or simply dying of embarassment; see Liz Truss), Nostradamus to Leonardo da Vinci, Henry VIII to Princess Diana, these famous last words span centuries and continents and will no doubt echo through eternity.If you're look to have the last laugh, The Little Book of Famous Last Words will have you laughing out loud till the very last page. For those about to die, we salute you!'I'm a fighter, not a quitter,'* Liz Truss, UK Prime Minister, October 19, 2022.*Poor ol' Liz quit the next day. Her calamitous career as PM lasted for just 44 days.Table of ContentsA Matter of Life and Death: The profound, poignant, peculiar and poorly last gasps of famous people right before they shuffled off this mortal coil. Everyone's here - come on in • One Foot in the Grave: Digging one's grave, sticking one's foot in one's mouth, the eating of one's words and premature celebrations will all be awkwardly explored in this hilarious chapter • Alive and Quipping: The funniest and most famous last words ever recorded for future reference • Gallows Humour: Famous last words occur outside of real life too. These are the iconic goodbyes in classic films, plays and literature, from Shakespeare to Star Wars • Sick to Death: Not everyone is lucky enough to die a young man's death. Many are unfortunate enough to fade, not burn away. To the sick and dying - this chapter is for you • The Last Laugh: For those who love to end on a high, this chapter contains simply the best last words ever sighed for those about to die.

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Book SynopsisTHE SECOND BOOK FROM THE VIRAL TWITTER (X) @FESSHOLE'A ridiculously reliable source of joy, shock and horror' - James O'Brien'I sometimes read one of those fesses and wonder if I submitted it myself the night before, after a few beers' - James May The anonymous voices of the internet are back, ready to spill their deepest, darkest secrets and side-splitting faux pas.In this eagerly anticipated second coming, Rob Manuel has once again compiled the most jaw-dropping, knee-slapping, and cringe-inducing confessions out there.Prepare to immerse yourself in the seedy underbelly of human nature, where no secret is too taboo, no embarrassment is left unexplored, and laughter knows no bounds. Once again, the online world becomes an unexpected arena of collective catharsis, and this riotous read is an addictive deep dive into our shared guilt.This must have book contains favourite viral confessions, and a whole heap of new ones. After all, if you can't confide in strangers on the internet, who can you tell?Trade ReviewPuerile, reprehensible and very, very funny -- Adam KayI sometimes read one of those fesses and wonder if I submitted it myself the night before, after a few beers -- James MayA ridiculously reliable source of joy, shock and horror -- James O’BrienYou'll piss yourself laughing -- Daisy May CooperI love Fesshole. Every single one is a masterclass in storytelling -- Jay RaynerHilarious! The only guide any alien would need to find out what humans are really like -- David SchneiderThe wild, the wonderful, the frankly unbelievable and the downright disgusting. Under the anonymity of the internet people confess their most embarrassing secrets and it might not be good for their souls, but it's great for the readers! -- Richard K Herring

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Book SynopsisIn Merry Christmas Don Camillo the author's Christmas stories appear alongside his war-time experiences in the prison camps of Germany and Poland, out of which he formed the polemic that would underwrite his work. Included are many tales new to English-speaking readers and some of the best that Guareschi ever wrote.

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Book SynopsisVintage Don Camillo stories, all but one in English for the first time.La Bassa is the home of Don Camillo and Peppone, the lowland plain on the banks of Italy’s Po River where their hilarious goings-on are set. Their creator was born there and returned to live in 1952. The following years were among the happiest in his life: it was a time when he was wholly in tune with the spirit of the place and when most of the present stories were written.Many of these stories were published in Italy under the equivocal title, 'People Like Us'. There is a strong affinity between the fictional characters and the real people of la Bassa. And we like them not least because their stories espouse the instinctive humanity and fundamental compassion which it is their creator’s purpose to reveal.‘So shrewd a glimpse into the minds of the people…’ London Evening News'Absolutely delightful in their satirical swipes at human weakness.' - Paul MertonTrade Review‘Written with such warmth and simplicity, so concerned with the trivialities of everyday life and giving us so shrewd a glimpse into the minds of the people . . .’ London Evening News;'Giovanni Guareschi's tales of Don Camillo, the Italian priest with a hefty left hook, are absolutely delightful in their satirical swipes at human weakness.' Paul Merton;'Instinctive humanity and compassion.' Guardian;‘Charming and enchanting . . . Witty and wise.’ Edinburgh Evening NewsTable of ContentsTwo Paths (1950) A Chronicle Continued (1950) Il Crik (1953) Ceratom (1953) Incognito (1953) Nembo (1953) Comrade Bramble (1953) Giannona (1953) Care Home (1953) A Night in the Kremlin (1953) Faith (1953) Sister Philomena (1953) Festival (1953) Two Mid-Season Saints (1953) A Colossus with Feet of Cloth (1953) The Lottery (1953) The Pale Spumarino (1953) The Passagatto (1953) An Old Teacher of Nature (1953) Common Sense (1954) National Unity (1954) Poetic Justice (1954) Royal Reserve (1954) The Attack (1954) The Science of Life (1954) The Chest of Drawers (1956)

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Book SynopsisPublished to celebrate the life of Mike Peyton, ‘the world’s greatest yachting cartoonist’, this second edition features personal tributes from some 12 other successful and well-known sailors (including Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Ben Ainslie and Tom Cunliffe). They all recognise Mike’s observational talent and comment on how sailors see themselves (or their friends) in his cartoons. Along with 80 of his incomparable cartoons, Mike Peyton recounts how he became a yachting cartoonist and his fifty years of sailing. So as well as chuckling at the cartoons themselves there is the opportunity to learn from Peyton’s 50 years of experience of sailing different boats, meeting a variety of sailors, and getting into – and out of – some truly hilarious situations.Trade Review“A welcome re-run of the greatest cartoons from yachting’s greatest cartoonist.” (Classic Boat) “Looking through the book, which depicts so many years of sailing, it’s easy to understand why Mike’s work is loved by so many. There’s a gentle, warm humour to his work, which will be much missed in the sailing world.” (Sailing Today) “Whatever branch of yachting is our choice, Mike caught us to a tee. His ability to squeeze the juice out of a situation we all have shared, while populating it with characters we know so well, was unique.” (Tom Cunliffe, Yachting World) “As well as 79 classic cartoons, I particularly enjoyed the 32 pages written by Mike filled with wonderfully-observed vignettes from his 50 years afloat, like written versions of his cartoons. Worthy of a place next to anyone’s bunk.” (Yachting Monthly)Table of Contents1. Fifty Years of Sailing; 2. Deep Water; 3. Land in Sight; 4. All Ashore; 5. Jumbles; 6. Below Decks; 7. Stopped for the Moment.

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Book SynopsisThe tangled life of the knitter is the subject of inspired nuttiness in 300 tongue-in-cheek meditations from the Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. At Knit’s End captures the wickedly funny musings of someone who doesn’t believe it’s possible to knit too much and who willingly sacrifices sleep, family, work, and sanity in order to keep doing it. Covering everything from the deadly “second sock syndrome” to a pile of yarn so big it can hide a washing machine, this hilarious collection will have knitters in stitches!

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisIn THE MYSTERIUM David Bramwell and Jo Keeling (authors of THE ODDITORIUM), present a user guide to the strange and unexplained corners of modern life. THE MYSTERIUM catalogues a host of bizarre, funny and intriguing stories for a post-Nessie generation still fascinated by the unknowable. Drawing on contemporary folklore, unsolved mysteries, and unsettling phenomena from the dark corners of the internet, this book celebrates the joy of asking questions and the thrill of finding answers which stop you dead in your tracks.Featuring a group of men who scared themselves to death, Space''s version of the Bermuda Triangle, a cat who can sniff out the dying and the tale of Slender Man, the monster who stepped out of Photoshop and into our nightmares, this fascinating book is a catalogue of the extraordinary, the strange, the mysterious and the downright creepy.

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