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The Complete Prose of Woody Allen
Brings together three hilarious pieces by America's comic genius: Without Feathers, a secret journal that addresses life's "big" questions; Getting Even, Woody as psychologist, historian, and philosopher; and Side Effects, Woody's take on UFOs and more.
473 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
266 people are currently reading
3,381 people want to read
About the author
Woody Allen
270books3,074followersNoted American actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Woody Allen, originally Allen Stewart Konigsberg explored the neuroses of the urban middle class in comedies of manners, such as
Annie Hall
(1977) and
Deconstructing Harry
(1997).
This director, jazz musician, and playwright thrice won Academy Award. His large body of work mixes satire, wit and humor in the most respected and prolific cerebral style in the modern era. Allen directs also in the majority of his movies. For inspiration, Allen draws heavily on literature, philosophy, psychology, Judaism, European cinema, and city of New York, where he lives.
This director, jazz musician, and playwright thrice won Academy Award. His large body of work mixes satire, wit and humor in the most respected and prolific cerebral style in the modern era. Allen directs also in the majority of his movies. For inspiration, Allen draws heavily on literature, philosophy, psychology, Judaism, European cinema, and city of New York, where he lives.
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July 26, 2020
The Insanity Defense: The Complete Prose, Woody Allen
The Insanity Defense reveals many sides of Woody Allen as he holds forth on the most human of urges (“Why does man kill? He kills for food. And not only for food: frequently there must be a beverage�); reflects on death (“I don’t believe in an afterlife, although I am bringing a change of underwear�); and notes the effect on history wrought by trick chewing gum, the dribble glass, and other novelties.
There is also an inspiring story of the futile race to beat Dr. Heimlich to the punch: “The food went down the wrong pipe, and choking occurred. Grasping the mouse firmly by the tail, I snapped it like a small whip, and the morsel of cheese came loose. If we can transfer the procedure to humans, we may have something. Too early to tell.�
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز دهم ماه فوریه سال 2012 میلادی
عنوان: دفاع از دیوانگی؛ نویسنده: وودی آلن؛ مترجم: مازیار عطاریه؛ نشر: تهران، شورآفرین، 1391؛ در 245ص؛ شابک 9789642995714؛ موضوع شوخیها و بذله گوئیها از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 20م
نقل از مترجم: کتاب «دفاع از دیوانگی» که در سال 2007میلادی منتشر شده، مجموعه ای از مقاله های طنز «وودی آلن»، از سه کتاب «بی حساب (سال نشر 1971میلادی)»، «بی بال و پر (سال 1975میلادی)» و «عوارض جانبی (سال 1980میلادی) است.؛ هر سه ی این کتابها که در فهرست کتابهای پرفروش آمریکا قرار داشته اند، شامل مقالات و نمایشنامه هایی هستند که پیشتر در نشریات از جمله «نیو ریپابلیک»، «نیویورک تایمز»، «نیویورکر» و ...؛ به چاپ رسیده بودند.؛ عنوان انگلیسی این کتاب در فارسی «دفاع مبتنی بر جنون» است.؛ این اصطلاح حقوقی زمانی به کار میرود، که وکیل مدافع سعی در اثبات جنون موکل خود دارد، تا باعث تبرئه ی او شود، و یا از شدت مجازاتش بکاهد.؛ اما از آنجایی که ترجمه ی فارسی این عبارت، چندان مناسب عنوان کتاب نبود، عبارت «دفاع از دیوانگی» را برگزیدم که بی ارتباط با محتوای این کتاب نیست.؛ پایان نقل از مترجم.؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 04/05/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
The Insanity Defense reveals many sides of Woody Allen as he holds forth on the most human of urges (“Why does man kill? He kills for food. And not only for food: frequently there must be a beverage�); reflects on death (“I don’t believe in an afterlife, although I am bringing a change of underwear�); and notes the effect on history wrought by trick chewing gum, the dribble glass, and other novelties.
There is also an inspiring story of the futile race to beat Dr. Heimlich to the punch: “The food went down the wrong pipe, and choking occurred. Grasping the mouse firmly by the tail, I snapped it like a small whip, and the morsel of cheese came loose. If we can transfer the procedure to humans, we may have something. Too early to tell.�
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز دهم ماه فوریه سال 2012 میلادی
عنوان: دفاع از دیوانگی؛ نویسنده: وودی آلن؛ مترجم: مازیار عطاریه؛ نشر: تهران، شورآفرین، 1391؛ در 245ص؛ شابک 9789642995714؛ موضوع شوخیها و بذله گوئیها از نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 20م
نقل از مترجم: کتاب «دفاع از دیوانگی» که در سال 2007میلادی منتشر شده، مجموعه ای از مقاله های طنز «وودی آلن»، از سه کتاب «بی حساب (سال نشر 1971میلادی)»، «بی بال و پر (سال 1975میلادی)» و «عوارض جانبی (سال 1980میلادی) است.؛ هر سه ی این کتابها که در فهرست کتابهای پرفروش آمریکا قرار داشته اند، شامل مقالات و نمایشنامه هایی هستند که پیشتر در نشریات از جمله «نیو ریپابلیک»، «نیویورک تایمز»، «نیویورکر» و ...؛ به چاپ رسیده بودند.؛ عنوان انگلیسی این کتاب در فارسی «دفاع مبتنی بر جنون» است.؛ این اصطلاح حقوقی زمانی به کار میرود، که وکیل مدافع سعی در اثبات جنون موکل خود دارد، تا باعث تبرئه ی او شود، و یا از شدت مجازاتش بکاهد.؛ اما از آنجایی که ترجمه ی فارسی این عبارت، چندان مناسب عنوان کتاب نبود، عبارت «دفاع از دیوانگی» را برگزیدم که بی ارتباط با محتوای این کتاب نیست.؛ پایان نقل از مترجم.؛
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 04/05/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
September 23, 2019
ENGLISH
The genius of this exceptional talent opens up in a new way in the scripts.
With or without seeing the movies a pleasure and study of society.
One wonders if one interprets too much into it. Or if really so many subtle allusions are hidden, as one suspects.
Unfortunately, such entertainment has become a scarce commodity. Works focused on a character and deeper drawing would be an addition to the conventional movie business.
GERMAN
Die Genialität dieses Ausnahmetalents erschließt sich in den Scripts auf neue Weise.
Mit oder ohne das Sehen der Filme ein Vergnügen und eine Gesellschaftsstudie.
Man fragt sich, ob man zu viel hinein interpretiert. Oder ob wirklich so viele subtile Anspielungen versteckt sind, wie man vermutet.
Derartige Unterhaltung ist leider zur Mangelware geworden. Auf einen Charaktere und dessen tiefere Zeichnung konzentrierte Werke wären ein Ergänzung zum konventionellen Filmbetrieb.
The genius of this exceptional talent opens up in a new way in the scripts.
With or without seeing the movies a pleasure and study of society.
One wonders if one interprets too much into it. Or if really so many subtle allusions are hidden, as one suspects.
Unfortunately, such entertainment has become a scarce commodity. Works focused on a character and deeper drawing would be an addition to the conventional movie business.
GERMAN
Die Genialität dieses Ausnahmetalents erschließt sich in den Scripts auf neue Weise.
Mit oder ohne das Sehen der Filme ein Vergnügen und eine Gesellschaftsstudie.
Man fragt sich, ob man zu viel hinein interpretiert. Oder ob wirklich so viele subtile Anspielungen versteckt sind, wie man vermutet.
Derartige Unterhaltung ist leider zur Mangelware geworden. Auf einen Charaktere und dessen tiefere Zeichnung konzentrierte Werke wären ein Ergänzung zum konventionellen Filmbetrieb.
June 2, 2022
This work is a book for absolute Woody Allen fans.
February 8, 2020
Surprisingly Unsurprisingly
Woody Allen's prolific imagination is always surprising us with the most absurd surreal kind of thoughts!
However, since craziness means businness to him, we'll easily picture him signing every ludicrous, lunatic thought on Earth. Hence, he's also unsurprising 😉👍
Woody Allen's prolific imagination is always surprising us with the most absurd surreal kind of thoughts!
However, since craziness means businness to him, we'll easily picture him signing every ludicrous, lunatic thought on Earth. Hence, he's also unsurprising 😉👍
January 25, 2020
Surpreendente sem Surpreender
Woody Allen é um autor que sempre surpreende sem surpreender!
Surpreende porque a sua imaginação fértil é uma fábrica de permanentes e deliciosas loucuras.
Não surpreende porque dele tudo é expectável!
Woody Allen é um autor que sempre surpreende sem surpreender!
Surpreende porque a sua imaginação fértil é uma fábrica de permanentes e deliciosas loucuras.
Não surpreende porque dele tudo é expectável!
July 1, 2016
Αρχικά, έχω να δηλώσω ότι είμαι μεγάλη φαν του Woody. Τόσο που ξαναβλέπω κάποιες από τις παλιές του ταινίες.
Σχετικά με το βιβλίο, τώρα, μπορώ να πω ότι είναι ό,τι πιο αστείο έχω διαβάσει. Αλλά αυτό είναι σχετικό, μιας και είτε λατρεύεις τον Woody είτε τον μισείς, γιατί δεν καταλαβαίνεις το χιούμορ του. Σχεδόν κάθε σειρά του και προκαλεί γέλιο. H συλλογή Without Feathers είναι η πιο αστεία κλέβοντας τη δόξα από τις συλλογές Getting Even και Side Effects που ακολουθούν.
Στις ιστορίες του γίνονται αναφορές σε πολλά πρόσωπα που αποτέλεσαν επιρροές του σε όλη του τη φιλμογραφία (Freud, Sartre, Nietsche κλπ). Και κατάφερε κάτι αξιοθαύμαστο: μέσα σε λίγες γραμμές έθιξε βαθύτερα φιλοσοφικά θέματα (ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη-φύση, ερωτικές σχέσεις, καλό/κακό) με χιούμορ.
Ίσως και εδώ βρίσκεται η δυσκολία πολλών να καταλάβουν το χιούμορ (και την ιδιοφυία) του, μιας και μια (έστω, στοιχειώδης) επαφή με τη φιλοσοφία και την τέχνη είναι "προαπαιτούμενη" (μόνο ο Igor Stravinsky πρέπει να αναφέρθηκε κοντά στις 10 φορές).
Γενικά, είναι μια συλλογή που δεν διαβάζεται μονοκοπανιά για ένα λόγο. Χρειάζονται και κάποια διαλείμματα για να πάρεις ανάσα από τα γέλια. Ιδανικό ανάγνωσμα για το βράδυ στο κρεβάτι ακούγοντας τζαζ μουσική (ή Stravinsky).
Τα 5 αστεράκια είναι λίγα. Στους φαν το προτείνω ανεπιφύλαχτα. Στους υπόλοιπους, θα έλεγα ότι αξίζει μια ανάγνωση.
Σχετικά με το βιβλίο, τώρα, μπορώ να πω ότι είναι ό,τι πιο αστείο έχω διαβάσει. Αλλά αυτό είναι σχετικό, μιας και είτε λατρεύεις τον Woody είτε τον μισείς, γιατί δεν καταλαβαίνεις το χιούμορ του. Σχεδόν κάθε σειρά του και προκαλεί γέλιο. H συλλογή Without Feathers είναι η πιο αστεία κλέβοντας τη δόξα από τις συλλογές Getting Even και Side Effects που ακολουθούν.
Στις ιστορίες του γίνονται αναφορές σε πολλά πρόσωπα που αποτέλεσαν επιρροές του σε όλη του τη φιλμογραφία (Freud, Sartre, Nietsche κλπ). Και κατάφερε κάτι αξιοθαύμαστο: μέσα σε λίγες γραμμές έθιξε βαθύτερα φιλοσοφικά θέματα (ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη-φύση, ερωτικές σχέσεις, καλό/κακό) με χιούμορ.
Ίσως και εδώ βρίσκεται η δυσκολία πολλών να καταλάβουν το χιούμορ (και την ιδιοφυία) του, μιας και μια (έστω, στοιχειώδης) επαφή με τη φιλοσοφία και την τέχνη είναι "προαπαιτούμενη" (μόνο ο Igor Stravinsky πρέπει να αναφέρθηκε κοντά στις 10 φορές).
Γενικά, είναι μια συλλογή που δεν διαβάζεται μονοκοπανιά για ένα λόγο. Χρειάζονται και κάποια διαλείμματα για να πάρεις ανάσα από τα γέλια. Ιδανικό ανάγνωσμα για το βράδυ στο κρεβάτι ακούγοντας τζαζ μουσική (ή Stravinsky).
Τα 5 αστεράκια είναι λίγα. Στους φαν το προτείνω ανεπιφύλαχτα. Στους υπόλοιπους, θα έλεγα ότι αξίζει μια ανάγνωση.
June 16, 2010
I've finished this book and believe me when I say, I'm really sad that it has gotten over. However, I console my heart with the fact that this book is a keeper. I know that I can pick it up anytime and it will make me laugh. Not the loud howling kind, but a subtle philosophical kind of laugh that I will shake my head over.
Woody Allen needs no introduction, and if he needs one for the uninitiated, well I recommend them to get familiar with his movies first and then go for the book. Because the way Allen writes can be quite mesmerizing yet can be easily misunderstood or not understood at all. This compilation consists of three Allen books, 'Without Feathers', 'Getting Even' and 'Side Effects'. Each book is a collection of short stories, essays and hobnobs. I really can't find words to describe the writings other than to quote what Daily Telegraph had to say about the book, "No five hundred page book ever contained a laugh a line, but this one gets pretty close."
An ideal bedside companion, this is about the best that Allen gets at his most sarcastic and intricately observant level. His observations range from philosophy to sports to movies and everything. Readers of humor and connoisseurs of witty conversations would do well to seize this gem of a book. For the rest, as Allen himself says, "Getting through the night is becoming harder and harder."
Woody Allen needs no introduction, and if he needs one for the uninitiated, well I recommend them to get familiar with his movies first and then go for the book. Because the way Allen writes can be quite mesmerizing yet can be easily misunderstood or not understood at all. This compilation consists of three Allen books, 'Without Feathers', 'Getting Even' and 'Side Effects'. Each book is a collection of short stories, essays and hobnobs. I really can't find words to describe the writings other than to quote what Daily Telegraph had to say about the book, "No five hundred page book ever contained a laugh a line, but this one gets pretty close."
An ideal bedside companion, this is about the best that Allen gets at his most sarcastic and intricately observant level. His observations range from philosophy to sports to movies and everything. Readers of humor and connoisseurs of witty conversations would do well to seize this gem of a book. For the rest, as Allen himself says, "Getting through the night is becoming harder and harder."
July 15, 2007
This is worth it if just for "The Whores of Mensa" . . .
June 14, 2016
Η ανάγνωση των γραπτών του Woody Allen προκαλεί τα ίδια συναισθήματα/σκέψεις/προβληματισμούς με αυτά που προκαλεί και η παρακολούθηση των ταινιών του. Δίκαιο.
December 22, 2019
A todas luces pasa a ser uno de mis favoritos, sólo por "alienarme" aún más al hacerme reír a carcajadas en plena sala de espera del aeropuerto, en el avión, y en cuartos lúgubres de hospital, provocando que más de alguno se molestase, me alegró días por demás tristes, e impregnó en mi con declarada simpleza ideas de colosal envergadura tales como; el por qué de los principales psiquiatras judíos y el porque de la muy necesaria y buena dicción de Dios.
July 25, 2019
О Божееее :))) Какво освежување. Не гледам филмови, абдал сум во тој дел навистина, вака искрено :)))) На расказите на Вуди Ален се смеев како на ништо до сега во литературата, секако од она што јас сум прочитала. Каков микс на луцидност, лудост, забеганост, фантазија и сурова реалност. Како постигнува човекот да изгради замок од овие контрадикторности, а воедно да те насмее и да си се насмеее себе си на таквата градбата :) Каква убава игра на зборови, просто се заиграв и јас градејќи си свој замок, со мои коцки :) Од мене чиста 5-ка, без разлика на неговата репутација, да расчистиме ГЕ-НИ-ЈА-ЛЕЦ јесте забеган ама тоа е :)
July 22, 2019
میزان گستردگی تخیل وودی آلن در طنزهایش فوق العاده است. اینکه راجع به رژیم غذایی از منظر فیلسوف های مشهور نگاه کنی یا حتی ونگوگ نقاش را به ونگوگ دندانپزشک تبدیل کنی ، تنها و تنها از قلم وودی آلن برمی‌آی�.
کاش ترجمه ی بهتری ارائه می‌ش�. پانویس ها به شدت کم و کاستی دارند.
در کل کتابی‌س� که به علاقه مندانِ طنز (آن هم از نوع مثلا روشنفکری‌ا�) پیشنهاد می‌کن�.
کاش ترجمه ی بهتری ارائه می‌ش�. پانویس ها به شدت کم و کاستی دارند.
در کل کتابی‌س� که به علاقه مندانِ طنز (آن هم از نوع مثلا روشنفکری‌ا�) پیشنهاد می‌کن�.
September 24, 2010
Without Feathers is the funniest of this trilogy, with Getting Even a close second. The other selection was great too, and I maybe should have read this in shorter bursts rather than all at once. My sides are currently damaged beyond repair.
Allen writes stories with deeper philosophical meaning. He asks searching questions that scratch through the absurdity of life, with way more laughs than Nietzsche or Sartre.
I'm catching up with his movies too. Zelig is currently sitting in my disc drive.
Allen writes stories with deeper philosophical meaning. He asks searching questions that scratch through the absurdity of life, with way more laughs than Nietzsche or Sartre.
I'm catching up with his movies too. Zelig is currently sitting in my disc drive.
April 9, 2010
Short pieces of absurd pseudo-intellectualism in a typical Woody Allen style! He affirms a notion I once came across about the human condition: "loose your sense of humor, and you're in trouble"
On the book cover of Picador edition, Will Self praises the book as "an ideal bedside companion". I can't disagree.
On the book cover of Picador edition, Will Self praises the book as "an ideal bedside companion". I can't disagree.
September 10, 2017
ترجمه ي افتضاح! افتضاح برا يك لحظشه جدا! همه ي نكته ها ي لطيف و ظريف كاري هاي متن بدون هيچ توضيحي و صرفا به نوشتن كلمه با حروف انگليسي در پاورقي بسنده كرده بود جناب مترجم!! بيش از ١٠٠ پاورقي بدون هيچ حاصلي! كل طنز متن از بين رفته بود
لازمه برا درك متن بدوني استراوينسكي كيه! درايزر كيه! ماردي گرا چيه؟ و هزاران مورد ديگر كه از اونجا كه حين خوندن كتاب دسترسي به نت نداشتم نميتونستم سرچ كنم
لازمه برا درك متن بدوني استراوينسكي كيه! درايزر كيه! ماردي گرا چيه؟ و هزاران مورد ديگر كه از اونجا كه حين خوندن كتاب دسترسي به نت نداشتم نميتونستم سرچ كنم
November 8, 2017
Maravilloso... e inquietante. En cada página, en cada cuento, es evidente que el autor es el mismo escritor y director de películas que hemos disfrutado tanto. El humor ácido, el absurdo que, de repente, parece casi posible, es casi imposible por lo perfecto. Sin embargo, pasa algo que me ha estado pasando también con sus películas: ¿se repite? Woody Allen, genial como es, al parecer también es susceptible de ciclarse y, así como en algunas de sus últimas películas parecería que estamos viendo la misma historia repetida mil veces, pero en otra locación, así sus cuentos, maravillosamente escritos y realmente divertidos, en ocasiones parecen simplemente el mismo texto reescrito. ¿Hasta dónde se conserva un estilo antes de caer en la repetición? Por otra parte, es muy inquietante encontrar, una y otra vez, referencias al físico de mujeres (casi siempre jóvenes, prácticamente adolescentes, o clichés sexistas como la azafata sueca o la rubia curvilínea) y a su conquista que, si bien son divertidas, no dejan de echar una sombra en el contexto de la vida privada de Allen. Una vez que leo su visión de las mujeres tiendo a darle más credibilidad a Mia Farrow...
De cualquier manera, es un libro divertido y muy, muy disfrutable.
De cualquier manera, es un libro divertido y muy, muy disfrutable.
February 19, 2016
Hay películas de Allen que disfruto mucho y leer sus cuentos ha sido una experiencia bastante interesante. Algunos tienen esencia de película y me sentía como parte de la escena. Otros son tan hilarantes que hasta los leí dos veces. Otros más me costaron mucho por la falta de referencias que yo tenía respecto a los temas que Allen trataba. Todos cuentan con un tono de desparpajo y elementos de absurdo que sin duda harán pasar un buen rato. Algunos de mis favoritos: "El séptimo sello", "Duelo de ingenio con el inspector Ford" y "El experimento del profesor Kugelmass".
July 10, 2021
I wish Woody wrote prose as much as he made films. These are full of great, absurdist humor. My favorite bit, from "Fabulous Tales and Mythical Beasts": "The great roe is a mythological beast with the head of a lion and the body of a lion, though not the same lion." Had to put the book down to recover myself.
June 29, 2017
The only reason I gave this book 2 stars is because while it was immensely terrible and probably one of the worst books I've ever read (only bested by "Wild Animus: A Novel"), it at least went quickly and I didn't have to suffer through it like the time I contracted pneumonia. The only redeemable short story in this endless barrage of menial shite was 'The Whores of Mensa' which at least conveyed a slight sense of originality while all others could only be compared to the classlessness of a Family Guy episode. If you actually decide to read this book, either because it was recommended to you (that person is not your friend) or you fell under the assumption that because Woody Allen's movies contain a degree of brilliance, so will his writing, then I pray for you and your mental health, as getting through this book (as somehow I did, probably through sheer spite) will undoubtedly be the cause of its degradation. In all, after reading every one of his works (as this book's cover claims and I pray to God it's telling the truth) I can safely say that while playing the clarinet and writing may be fun, sticking with directing is probably the safest bet for Woody, provided he actually wants to make a profit off something of his own creation.
August 10, 2015
Individually these books are 4*- together they are 3*!
Humour is a hugely important thing in literature because the most laughable thing is a book without a sliver of relief. A book that is all relief, on the other hand, doesn't seem like what literature is for. And from Woody Allen, whose films are filled with insight and tense interactions, that his stories contain not a smidgen is triply disappointing. I was hoping for shorter collections of scenes that resembled his screenplays adapted into short stories. Instead I got The Day Today in short story form, which I was initially pleased with anyway, but I eventually handed the book to a friend who said 'You finished already?'
'There's 70 pages left. But I got the point.'
Humour is a hugely important thing in literature because the most laughable thing is a book without a sliver of relief. A book that is all relief, on the other hand, doesn't seem like what literature is for. And from Woody Allen, whose films are filled with insight and tense interactions, that his stories contain not a smidgen is triply disappointing. I was hoping for shorter collections of scenes that resembled his screenplays adapted into short stories. Instead I got The Day Today in short story form, which I was initially pleased with anyway, but I eventually handed the book to a friend who said 'You finished already?'
'There's 70 pages left. But I got the point.'
January 28, 2025
Some of the short stories in this book are absolutely hilarious, even as a modern reader who hasn't encountered any of Allen's work beforehand. He has a really wry sense of humour, and it reads like the adult comic Viz - both sarcastic and silly, almost spoofy, for the most part, which I really enjoyed. However I discovered that some of the topics were far too intellectual and outdated, and I found the book less and less funny as it went along.
It's good for dipping in and out of, and has some gems of humour, but it's not as consistent as I'd like, personally speaking
It's good for dipping in and out of, and has some gems of humour, but it's not as consistent as I'd like, personally speaking
September 23, 2009
This a collection of short stories, many dealing with issues and subject matter that Allen's films deal with - sex, fidelity, existence, art, music, etc. What struck me most was the inconsistency of the quality of his stories. I'm giving this book three stars, but if I could rate each story, there would be several five stars and several one star stories.
Some were extremely creative and delightful to read. You felt like these stories could have been expanded into full length films. The sci-fi story about a magician's box that can transport Allen into his favorite books (for sexual reason, of course) is creative and well-written. The story about a man that visits a dying friend to hit on the nurse is equally enjoyable, as are a handful of others. Funny, dark, introspective - classic Woody Allen.
Others were unreadable. Perhaps it is the absurdity genre that I had an issue with, rather than the stories themselves. For ex., one story involves a food critic's description of a restaurant's menu using words that you would use to describe art or people. Another attempted to analyze the life of an author by his laundry list. Interesting concepts, but even as short stories they were far too long.
Good news is that these are short stories. My advice is that if you begin a story and you're not hooked, don't feel ashamed to skip to the next one.
Some were extremely creative and delightful to read. You felt like these stories could have been expanded into full length films. The sci-fi story about a magician's box that can transport Allen into his favorite books (for sexual reason, of course) is creative and well-written. The story about a man that visits a dying friend to hit on the nurse is equally enjoyable, as are a handful of others. Funny, dark, introspective - classic Woody Allen.
Others were unreadable. Perhaps it is the absurdity genre that I had an issue with, rather than the stories themselves. For ex., one story involves a food critic's description of a restaurant's menu using words that you would use to describe art or people. Another attempted to analyze the life of an author by his laundry list. Interesting concepts, but even as short stories they were far too long.
Good news is that these are short stories. My advice is that if you begin a story and you're not hooked, don't feel ashamed to skip to the next one.
December 26, 2017
Woody Allen has been classed as a comic genius , and after reading his Complete Prose, I can see why.
Woody's candid outlook on life, is funny , dry and truthful. Some of his writing had me laughing out loud, while others, had me giggling, The wonderful think, about this book, ? is that he sees the funny side , to almost anything.
Years ago, Mike a friend I worked with, was always quoting Woody. if I was feeling a little under the weather, he used to say something in a Woody Allen voice, and I would be in hysterics, but I was never sure, if it was Mike's impression or the quote, now years later, I realise it was both, and now I am a Woody Allen fan, so thank you Mike, for all the times you made me laugh, and introducing me to Woody, (even though it has taken me years to get round to reading ans watching his works)
Woody's candid outlook on life, is funny , dry and truthful. Some of his writing had me laughing out loud, while others, had me giggling, The wonderful think, about this book, ? is that he sees the funny side , to almost anything.
Years ago, Mike a friend I worked with, was always quoting Woody. if I was feeling a little under the weather, he used to say something in a Woody Allen voice, and I would be in hysterics, but I was never sure, if it was Mike's impression or the quote, now years later, I realise it was both, and now I am a Woody Allen fan, so thank you Mike, for all the times you made me laugh, and introducing me to Woody, (even though it has taken me years to get round to reading ans watching his works)
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June 16, 2020“Could Hitler beat Churchill to sideburns? Himmler said Churchill had a head start and that it might be impossible to catch him. Goring, the vacuous optimist, said the Fuhrer could probably grow sideburns quicker, particularly if we marshalled all of Germany’s might in a concentrated effort. Von Rundstedt, at a meeting of the General Staff, said it was a mistake to try to grow sideburns on two fronts at once and advised that it would be wiser to concentrate all efforts on one good sideburn. Hitler said he could do it on both cheeks simultaneously. Rommel agreed with von Rundstedt. ‘They will never come out even, mein Fuhrer,� he said. ‘Not if you rush them.’�
January 3, 2015
Am citit-o prin 2010, dar azi mi-am adus aminte de ea. E o colectie de proza scurta in stilul specific autorului, deci e limpede: cui ii place genul si omul o sa i se para adorabila si o sa rada cu lacrimi (ca mine), cui nu...nu. :D
A aparut la Humanitas in colectia "rasul lumii" sub titlul: "Apararea invoca nebunia". Cred ca reprezinta doza necesara de optimism si un strop de inconstienta ca sa incepi un nou an si, vorba autorului, te poate apara de efectele "constentizarii excesive a vietii". :))
A aparut la Humanitas in colectia "rasul lumii" sub titlul: "Apararea invoca nebunia". Cred ca reprezinta doza necesara de optimism si un strop de inconstienta ca sa incepi un nou an si, vorba autorului, te poate apara de efectele "constentizarii excesive a vietii". :))
August 30, 2015
It might sound impossible for a writer to insert a joke in every sentence that he writes and not feel redundant. Well that's not the case with Allen. He goes after his favorite targets- Freud , Sartre , Kafka and all the other poster boys of the intellectual world poking fun at everyone and everything. The only reason why Allen Is not mentioned among the greatest writers of the 20 th century is our disbelief and envy of the fact that one person can be pure genius in two entirely different medium.
January 11, 2011
Allen is also a prolific writer that has wit, style, and an abundance of intelligence. He expresses this in his first three collections of short stories: Without Feathers, Getting Even, and Side Effects. And in the early 1990’s this was compiled to The Complete Prose of Woody Allen.
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April 9, 2014
No he leído nada que sea tan gracioso, original y ocurrente como esta recopilación. Se trata de una serie de cuentos e historias escritas por el autor a lo largo de varios años, algunas con su característico estilo y otras que parecen venir directamente de otro planeta.
Es un libro ideal para aquellos que buscan algo divertido, pero con muchísimo nivel y chispa, perfecto para releer por partes o completo.
Indispensable en cualquier biblioteca, ya sea física o virtual :)
Es un libro ideal para aquellos que buscan algo divertido, pero con muchísimo nivel y chispa, perfecto para releer por partes o completo.
Indispensable en cualquier biblioteca, ya sea física o virtual :)
December 29, 2012
به نقل از مقدمه� کتاب:
" دفاع از دیوانگی که در سال 2007 منتشر شده، مجموعه‌ا� از مقاله‌ها� طنز وودی آلن از سه کتاب « بی‌حسا� » « بی‌با� و پر » و « عوارض جانبی » است. "
اعتراف می‌کن� از شنیدن خبر انتشار کتاب تازه‌ا� از وودی الن به حدی ذوق‌زد� بودم که حتی نگاهی به فهرست یا مقدمه نینداختم و در نتیجه یک مجموعه� تماما تکراری روی دستم ماند. باشد که عبرت بگیریم!
" دفاع از دیوانگی که در سال 2007 منتشر شده، مجموعه‌ا� از مقاله‌ها� طنز وودی آلن از سه کتاب « بی‌حسا� » « بی‌با� و پر » و « عوارض جانبی » است. "
اعتراف می‌کن� از شنیدن خبر انتشار کتاب تازه‌ا� از وودی الن به حدی ذوق‌زد� بودم که حتی نگاهی به فهرست یا مقدمه نینداختم و در نتیجه یک مجموعه� تماما تکراری روی دستم ماند. باشد که عبرت بگیریم!
September 13, 2008
Back when Woody Allen was funny, no one could touch him. This book gathers together the stories he wrote for Playboy and The New Yorker. It is a riot to read. For the teachers out there, I recommend it between classes when you need a little pick me up before third period.
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