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Benchley Lost and Found
These "39 prodigal pieces" show Robert Benchley at the height of his whimsicality, damning with gentle urbanity all the things that peeve every one of us — but with a wit and mock anger none of the rest of us could have managed. The discomforts of travel on trains, large and heavy suitcases that must be carried by unwilling porters, standing in line at the post office (then to learn that your package is improperly tied), malicious fogs that blot out the race track at the last lap, the sand that gets kicked into one's face at the beach, vitamins and their puffery, and all the petty annoyances that we grumble about ourselves but laugh at when they befall others.
The 39 prodigal pieces greatly enlarge the corpus of the best Benchley. Forty-four original illustrations, mostly by Peter Arno, are included.
The 39 prodigal pieces greatly enlarge the corpus of the best Benchley. Forty-four original illustrations, mostly by Peter Arno, are included.
208 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1970
About the author
Robert Benchley
115 books74 followersRobert Charles Benchley was an American humorist best known for his work as a newspaper columnist and film actor. From his beginnings at the Harvard Lampoon while attending Harvard University, through his many years writing essays and articles for Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, and his acclaimed short films, Benchley's style of humor brought him respect and success during his life, from New York City and his peers at the Algonquin Round Table to contemporaries in the burgeoning film industry.
Benchley is best remembered for his contributions to The New Yorker, where his essays, whether topical or absurdist, influenced many modern humorists. He also made a name for himself in Hollywood, when his short film How to Sleep was a popular success and won Best Short Subject at the 1935 Academy Awards, and his many memorable appearances in films such as Alfred Hitchcock's Foreign Correspondent and a dramatic turn in Nice Girl?. His legacy includes written work and numerous short film appearances.
Benchley is best remembered for his contributions to The New Yorker, where his essays, whether topical or absurdist, influenced many modern humorists. He also made a name for himself in Hollywood, when his short film How to Sleep was a popular success and won Best Short Subject at the 1935 Academy Awards, and his many memorable appearances in films such as Alfred Hitchcock's Foreign Correspondent and a dramatic turn in Nice Girl?. His legacy includes written work and numerous short film appearances.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 15, 2014
I really enjoy Benchley's style, and appreciate his sensibilities. But the truth is, he just didn't put much work into these short magazine pieces. Some hit on a winning idea, and a few carry it to a satisfying conclusion. But a good many are obviously fluff pieces written 45 minutes before deadline.
June 8, 2008
There aren't a lot of people who are a bigger influence on my humor writing style than Robt. Benchley. This is the best collection of his stuff, including the insanely great "A Small Sermon On Success."
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September 30, 2022This was a fun look at essays from 1920s and 30s.
November 16, 2009
I was delighted to find this little gem I'd never heard of before. Benchley is absolutely wonderful. He is one of those few laugh-out-loud funny authors and is fundamental reading for anyone who considers him/herself to be witty.
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March 6, 2011I sort of base my "Tosh Talks" shows on his little movies.
January 28, 2023
Some of these have lost their shine with the passage of time, because they talk about everyday things that are no longer everyday (train schedules, for instance, seem to have been treated by comedians like airplane food is today). Still, it's Benchley.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews