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61st out of 66 books
—
46 voters
Lanterns & Lances
"I trust that this collection of pieces will prove that I ave not become, at sixty six going on fifty, as one friend of mine gallantly put it, completely lugubrious. Many things, or rather peoplee and ideas, are dealt with here in what I hope is a humorous vein."
Paperback, 232 pages
Published
September 30th 1992
by Plume
(first published January 1961)
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There may be one or two essays in this diverse collection you want to skip. That's okay. There's very likely something to please you. I skipped the critique of (homage to) Henry James's works. But I liked the review of My Fair Lady - I want to write a review like that. I loved the piece 'A Moment with Mandy' because he's willing to banter with a small child and even let her 'win.'
Several pieces have to do with his frustration with people who don't love language as he does. One of those bemoans...more
Several pieces have to do with his frustration with people who don't love language as he does. One of those bemoans...more
63. LANTERNS AND LANCES. (1961). James Thurber. *****.
I have to admit that it wasn’t that long ago that I read “The Library of America’s” collection of Thurber’s work, but when I came across a stand alone copy of one of his best known works, I couldn’t resist. James Thurber (1894-1961) was born, raised and educated in Ohio. He ultimately gravitated to New York City where he eventually became a fixture on the “New Yorker” staff. This book, the last one published while he was still alive, is comp...more
I have to admit that it wasn’t that long ago that I read “The Library of America’s” collection of Thurber’s work, but when I came across a stand alone copy of one of his best known works, I couldn’t resist. James Thurber (1894-1961) was born, raised and educated in Ohio. He ultimately gravitated to New York City where he eventually became a fixture on the “New Yorker” staff. This book, the last one published while he was still alive, is comp...more
In one of the pieces included in this compilation ("Conversation Piece: Connecticut"), Thurber's envisioned alter ego tells him over an early-morning highball, "You go around in tiny circles." That pretty much encapsulates James Thurber and his writing style.
The humorist covers all of his favorite rants in this book - his exasperation with women, improper use of language, the imminent doom of culture - and per usual, seeks solace in linguistic calisthenics, highballs, and Henry James. I salute...more
The humorist covers all of his favorite rants in this book - his exasperation with women, improper use of language, the imminent doom of culture - and per usual, seeks solace in linguistic calisthenics, highballs, and Henry James. I salute...more
Jan 24, 2009
Adam
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Writers, editors, teachers
Shelves:
humor
I only wish someone had encouraged, coerced or forced me to read Thurber sooner.
This collection doesn't hit the humorous heights of "My Life and Hard Times," but here Thurber reveals himself as an editor's writer. I would venture that "Lanterns & Lances" is actually a writing handbook wearing the guise of a collection of humorous essays.
Some of the titles tell the tale: "The Spreading 'You Know,'" "Such a a Phrase as Drifts Through Dreams," "The Tyranny of Trivia," "The Wings of Henry James,...more
This collection doesn't hit the humorous heights of "My Life and Hard Times," but here Thurber reveals himself as an editor's writer. I would venture that "Lanterns & Lances" is actually a writing handbook wearing the guise of a collection of humorous essays.
Some of the titles tell the tale: "The Spreading 'You Know,'" "Such a a Phrase as Drifts Through Dreams," "The Tyranny of Trivia," "The Wings of Henry James,...more
Worth reading for the short, humorous "The darlings at the top of the stairs" -- about our child-centered society.
Sometimes I just don't know what Thurber is going for with all his outlandish zaniness. Thurber Thurber Thurber.
I never get tired of Thurber's writing. His stories make wonderful, casual reading.
Not my favorite of Thurber's books, but still a good read.
Later Thurber, still funny though!
I just love James Thurber. That's all.
delightful wordplay.
May 05, 2013
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marked it as auf-gar-keinen-fall
Feb 08, 2013
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Thurber was born in Columbus, Ohio to Charles L. Thurber and Mary Agnes (Mame) Fisher Thurber. Both of his parents greatly influenced his work. His father, a sporadically employed clerk and minor politician who dreamed of being a lawyer or an actor, is said to have been the inspiration for the small, timid protagonist typical of many of his stories. Thurber described his mother as a "born comedien...more
More about James Thurber...
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Feb 12, 2011 12:12pm