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Words From the Wise: Centuries of Proverbs to Live By
Words From the Wise is a treasury of hundreds of proverbs from all ages and cultures. It includes some of the most delightful folk sayings ever recorded, plus observations and witticisms by famous men and women. This is a book that entertains as it teaches the lessons of life.
Proverbs can be valuable guides for daily living because they contain the greatest wisdom of centuries. "Don't marry for money," goes one Scottish proverb. "You can borrow it cheaper." Another wryly reminds us that idleness is "a rust that attaches itself yo the most brilliant of metals." Some proverbs you have heard, such as Pope's observation that "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Others you will be delighted to discover. "The girl who can't dance says the band can't play" is an old Yiddish proverb. And an anonymous thinker poses the question, "Is it progress if a cannibal uses knife and fork?"
The language is fresh, the images are vivid - and each proverb contains a bit of truth about life. Canny, merry, serious, and sharp, Words From the Wise is a mine of wit and wisdom that offers many hours of enjoyable reading.
Fritz Kredel, who created the colored woodcuts for Words From the Wise, is a world-celebrated book illustrator with a special gift for capturing the picturesque spirit of a text. Many of his works are now collectors' items. He lives in New York.
Proverbs can be valuable guides for daily living because they contain the greatest wisdom of centuries. "Don't marry for money," goes one Scottish proverb. "You can borrow it cheaper." Another wryly reminds us that idleness is "a rust that attaches itself yo the most brilliant of metals." Some proverbs you have heard, such as Pope's observation that "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Others you will be delighted to discover. "The girl who can't dance says the band can't play" is an old Yiddish proverb. And an anonymous thinker poses the question, "Is it progress if a cannibal uses knife and fork?"
The language is fresh, the images are vivid - and each proverb contains a bit of truth about life. Canny, merry, serious, and sharp, Words From the Wise is a mine of wit and wisdom that offers many hours of enjoyable reading.
Fritz Kredel, who created the colored woodcuts for Words From the Wise, is a world-celebrated book illustrator with a special gift for capturing the picturesque spirit of a text. Many of his works are now collectors' items. He lives in New York.
69 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1973
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 6, 2021
Amazing collection of thought-provoking adages and observations. The book showcases a nice range of times and places, and the quotes themselves vary in source; they include statements that can be attributed to specific individuals as well as broader proverbs that were common in particular cultures. I have read many books like this one, but this one stands out for the high quality of wisdom it contains; there must have been some excellent editor who made these decisions. Many of these quotes were unknown to me, so I like that it isn't just another rehash of some of the more mainstream adages. I came away from this book feeling as though I had learned something. The delightful illustrations add a great deal of charm. All in all, a wonderful book.
August 24, 2026
Such a great, little coffee table read. I picked this one up from an antique shop and I just love it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews