What do you think?
Rate this book
Dispatches from the Tenth Circle: The Best of the Onion
"The Onion is laugh-out-loud, go-tell-your-friends, get-angry-you-didn't-think-of-it funny."
-Conan O'Brien
"Outside of maybe Dario Fo, an Italian who few are sure exists, the Onion people make the most consistently perfect and excoriating social commentary we currently have. But will those Nobel bastards honor them, too? Only God, our merciless and just God, knows."
-Dave Eggers
"The funniest publication in the United States."
-The New Yorker
"This publication is tasteless and destructive to our shared values. Read it for yourself and you'll see what I mean. Seriously, what else could make me laugh-much less laugh uproariously-while being offended week after week after week?"
-Al Gore
"The Onion is the funniest thing in news since Dan Rather's spooky stare."
-Matt Groening
"Brutal satire that rushes into the far reaches of race, class, sexuality, and culture where many publications-and critics-fear to tread."
-Chicago Tribune
"The Onion, unlike any other entity in our media culture, offers a refreshingly honest look at our complicated life."
-Ken Burns
-Conan O'Brien
"Outside of maybe Dario Fo, an Italian who few are sure exists, the Onion people make the most consistently perfect and excoriating social commentary we currently have. But will those Nobel bastards honor them, too? Only God, our merciless and just God, knows."
-Dave Eggers
"The funniest publication in the United States."
-The New Yorker
"This publication is tasteless and destructive to our shared values. Read it for yourself and you'll see what I mean. Seriously, what else could make me laugh-much less laugh uproariously-while being offended week after week after week?"
-Al Gore
"The Onion is the funniest thing in news since Dan Rather's spooky stare."
-Matt Groening
"Brutal satire that rushes into the far reaches of race, class, sexuality, and culture where many publications-and critics-fear to tread."
-Chicago Tribune
"The Onion, unlike any other entity in our media culture, offers a refreshingly honest look at our complicated life."
-Ken Burns
174 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2001
11 people are currently reading
1,211 people want to read
About the author
The Onion
31Ìýbooks114ÌýfollowersThe satirical newspaper The Onion was founded in 1988 at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Originally a weekly humor print publication targeting a local student population, The Onion is today a booming news organization known as America’s Finest News Source.
The launch of TheOnion.com in 1996 expanded its signature brand of satire to a national and international audience. Online expansion opened doors to growth in a multitude of areas. The company has become an omnipotent news empire, reaching millions of fans through print, broadcast, radio, mobile apps, books, and, in January 2011, two new television shows on the Independent Film Channel and Comedy Central. The website continues to be the nucleus of all The Onion does, described by TIME magazine as “the funniest site on the Internet.�
TheOnion.com now averages 40 million page views and roughly 7.5 million unique visitors per month. The Onion’s digital strategy has resulted in an enormous and dedicated fan base. The newspaper’s content is delivered constantly, Tweeted at optimum times and posted on Facebook during high-traffic periods. Subsequently, users can easily embed, share, or post articles and videos to their personal Facebook and Twitter accounts. As a result, the Onion’s fans take an active role in the viral nature of the content. Within minutes of posting an article or video, the content materializes across a number of platforms.
The launch of TheOnion.com in 1996 expanded its signature brand of satire to a national and international audience. Online expansion opened doors to growth in a multitude of areas. The company has become an omnipotent news empire, reaching millions of fans through print, broadcast, radio, mobile apps, books, and, in January 2011, two new television shows on the Independent Film Channel and Comedy Central. The website continues to be the nucleus of all The Onion does, described by TIME magazine as “the funniest site on the Internet.�
TheOnion.com now averages 40 million page views and roughly 7.5 million unique visitors per month. The Onion’s digital strategy has resulted in an enormous and dedicated fan base. The newspaper’s content is delivered constantly, Tweeted at optimum times and posted on Facebook during high-traffic periods. Subsequently, users can easily embed, share, or post articles and videos to their personal Facebook and Twitter accounts. As a result, the Onion’s fans take an active role in the viral nature of the content. Within minutes of posting an article or video, the content materializes across a number of platforms.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 14, 2010
Americans Unacquainted With Irony
Americans are sometimes accused of not understanding irony. What do you think?
[image error]
Beth Jorden
Systems Analyst
"My doctor says I suffer from mild anemia, so I guess I better find out more."
[image error]
Alex Hicks
Embalmer
"Aristotle referred to it as a species of comedic humor, but I've never felt entirely comfortable with his definition."
[image error]
Dave Bishop
Toll Booth Operator
"Isn't it something they have in Europe?"
_____________________________________________
A note for readers who are unfamiliar with . This review is a parody of the Onion's regular American Voices column, which is always ironic. In fact, everything in the Onion is ironic and, all by itself, the publication provides ample proof that many Americans can appreciate irony.
If I managed to offend you, that would also be consistent with the Onion's general policy. You probably shouldn't go and look at it; you may well be offended some more.
Americans are sometimes accused of not understanding irony. What do you think?
[image error]
Beth Jorden
Systems Analyst
"My doctor says I suffer from mild anemia, so I guess I better find out more."
[image error]
Alex Hicks
Embalmer
"Aristotle referred to it as a species of comedic humor, but I've never felt entirely comfortable with his definition."
[image error]
Dave Bishop
Toll Booth Operator
"Isn't it something they have in Europe?"
_____________________________________________
A note for readers who are unfamiliar with . This review is a parody of the Onion's regular American Voices column, which is always ironic. In fact, everything in the Onion is ironic and, all by itself, the publication provides ample proof that many Americans can appreciate irony.
If I managed to offend you, that would also be consistent with the Onion's general policy. You probably shouldn't go and look at it; you may well be offended some more.
June 13, 2010
I never thought I'd quote Al Gore, but I completely agree with him when he gave a blurb for this book: "This publication is tasteless and destructive to our shared values....Seriously, what else could make me laugh--much less uproariously--while being offended week after week after week?"
The Onion skewers everybody, and that's why I love it. Even when it pokes fun at my most cherished values, I can't help laughing. Also, this book was published in 2001, and the stories are from the ten years before that--and they're still hilarious.'
Well played, Onion. Well played.
The Onion skewers everybody, and that's why I love it. Even when it pokes fun at my most cherished values, I can't help laughing. Also, this book was published in 2001, and the stories are from the ten years before that--and they're still hilarious.'
Well played, Onion. Well played.
March 12, 2013
I'd forgotten about this one- my parents had made it an Xmas Xtra and I'd foolishly let it languish on the top shelf of my closet for the longest time. I picked it up the other day and fell back in love with The Onion. You just can't go wrong- they are the Twain, Bierce, Mencken and Dorothy Parkers of the 21st Century....
June 18, 2007
My most communally read book.
February 13, 2022
For good and bad, this is a witheringly accurate look at American culture at the turn of the millennium. The best of The Onion's fake news from 1998-2000, it's a reminder that even in the seemingly halcyon days of pre-Bush administration America, the culture at large was still quite hostile, cynical and deeply prejudiced. The Onion poked fun at this in ways that have aged well and... not so well. There's quite a few articles in here that just seem unfortunate by today's standards (at best). And half the time, the articles really don't do anything but run the joke into the ground for page-filling purposes. Most of these are best read by looking at the headline, chuckling to yourself, and moving on. It's a fun satirical history record but it's the sort of thing that has more interest as a cultural curiosity than as humor half the time.
July 25, 2018
Warning: Do not read if you are easily offended.
I am not and found this book to be hilarious and boring in equal parts. The hilarious parts were politically incorrect, outrageous and very, very funny. As this is book is 17 years old, some of the satire is dated, yet some is timeless. Remember:you have been warned.
Reviewed by Jen C., Library Operations Assistant Manager
Check it out here!
I am not and found this book to be hilarious and boring in equal parts. The hilarious parts were politically incorrect, outrageous and very, very funny. As this is book is 17 years old, some of the satire is dated, yet some is timeless. Remember:you have been warned.
Reviewed by Jen C., Library Operations Assistant Manager
Check it out here!
February 15, 2020
Still funny after all these years; while some of the pieces might be a little dated, I think most of them still hold up. (Though you might not get some of the references if you don't remember the 90s).
Best read in small doses. The format is mildly annoying - just like in a real newspaper, you have to skip back and forth between the pages to read the "articles".
Best read in small doses. The format is mildly annoying - just like in a real newspaper, you have to skip back and forth between the pages to read the "articles".
November 25, 2017
It is the Onion, you know its good
August 1, 2020
Quite fun and funny collection from the Onion’s archive. The problem is the humour does not seem to mantain as much energy as time goes by because of its relationship to news of the time.
March 4, 2024
Title: Dispatches from the Tenth Circle: A Hilarious Showcase of The Onion's Best
Rating: 5/5 Stars
"Dispatches from the Tenth Circle" is a side-splitting compilation of The Onion's most brilliant and satirical works, showcasing the unparalleled wit and humor that has made the publication a household name. From its clever headlines to its razor-sharp articles, this book is guaranteed to have readers laughing out loud from cover to cover.
What sets "Dispatches from the Tenth Circle" apart is its ability to skewer and lampoon every aspect of modern life with equal parts absurdity and insight. Whether it's politics, culture, or everyday absurdities, The Onion's writers leave no stone unturned as they deliver one hilarious punchline after another.
One of the highlights of "Dispatches from the Tenth Circle" is its collection of headline news articles, which manage to encapsulate the absurdity of real-life news stories with uncanny accuracy. From "Nation's Girlfriends Unveil New Economic Plan: 'Let's Move In Together'" to "Bush: 'Our Long National Nightmare of Peace and Prosperity is Finally Over,'" each headline is a masterpiece of satire that hits the mark with deadly precision.
But beyond its headlines, "Dispatches from the Tenth Circle" also features a wealth of longer-form articles and features that are equally hilarious. Whether it's the "Area Man" series chronicling the mundane exploits of an average Joe or the "In The Know" segment offering tongue-in-cheek advice on everything from relationships to personal finance, there's something for everyone in this laugh-out-loud collection.
In conclusion, "Dispatches from the Tenth Circle" is a must-read for fans of satire and humor. With its clever writing, sharp wit, and laugh-out-loud funny moments, it's a book that is sure to delight and entertain readers of all ages. Whether you're a longtime fan of The Onion or simply looking for a good laugh, "Dispatches from the Tenth Circle" is guaranteed to leave you in stitches.
January 5, 2008
This collection of articles from the infamous humorous newspaper The Onion is often vulgar, coursing with profanity and blatant (often sophomoric) sexual jokes. It also contains a healthy dose of irreverence, the religious mockery being aimed largely at Christians, but with enough openness to include occasionally the Jews. Despite its not infrequent offensiveness, The Onion's articles did often make me laugh. Much of the comic force of the collections comes from the authors' abilities to parody so effectively the style of newswriting found in papers today. But because of this, the humor also grows stale after awhile--the joke is a good one, but by the end of the collection, it has become an old one. Therefore, about half way through, it becomes natural for the reader to enjoy the headlines but merely skim the articles.
Here's a smattering of some of the headlines that struck me as the funniest: "Oprah Viewers Patiently Awaiting Instructions"; "Fanzine Marred by Typo"; "Pope Calls For Greater Understanding Between Catholics, Hellbound"; and "Fun Toy Banned Because of Three Stupid Dead Kids." Probably the funniest article was on the sinister phase two of Starbucks's operation, but the one I could most relate to was entitled: "Aging Gen-Xer Doesn't Find Bad Movies Funny Anymore." Also included are a collection of point counterpoint editorials, which forcefully mock the whole concept of the editorial. The best is the point-counterpoint on Nigeria: "Nigeria May Be A Developing Nation, But It Is Rich In Cultural Resources" vs. "Get Me Out Of This Godforsaken Hellhole." It's easy and entertaining to pass the time with The Onion, but perhaps not very fruitful.
Here's a smattering of some of the headlines that struck me as the funniest: "Oprah Viewers Patiently Awaiting Instructions"; "Fanzine Marred by Typo"; "Pope Calls For Greater Understanding Between Catholics, Hellbound"; and "Fun Toy Banned Because of Three Stupid Dead Kids." Probably the funniest article was on the sinister phase two of Starbucks's operation, but the one I could most relate to was entitled: "Aging Gen-Xer Doesn't Find Bad Movies Funny Anymore." Also included are a collection of point counterpoint editorials, which forcefully mock the whole concept of the editorial. The best is the point-counterpoint on Nigeria: "Nigeria May Be A Developing Nation, But It Is Rich In Cultural Resources" vs. "Get Me Out Of This Godforsaken Hellhole." It's easy and entertaining to pass the time with The Onion, but perhaps not very fruitful.
November 28, 2007
I can't exactly remember when I started reading the Onion, but hardly a day goes by without my checking in on it. It's 'America'sFinest News Source' according to their own press, and I have to tell you... they might be right. They attack popular issues as frequently as they attack meaningless crap and generally poke fun at the media to hilarious effect. Be forewarned though - if you have no sense of humor, if you hate profanity, if the idea of a retired machinist making up horoscopes doesn't sound like it's for you, put it down. Or don't - you're probably the market they're targeting to offend.
June 13, 2008
Somewhere on my mental top five list of cool things about living in Madison, Wisconsin, would be the piles of Onions that would appear for free on a weekly basis throughout the city. Along with the city's other free paper, The Ithsmus, it was the best newspaper in Madison.
Now that I live in provincial exile, I have to purchase past Onions in book form. Worth it. At its best, The Onion is subversive and funny. At it's worst, it's in extremely poor taste (but still pretty funny).
Now that I live in provincial exile, I have to purchase past Onions in book form. Worth it. At its best, The Onion is subversive and funny. At it's worst, it's in extremely poor taste (but still pretty funny).
February 19, 2008
Like the other Onion books, this is one to browse rather than read straight through. Its parody is kind of like some of George Carlin's humor; it leads the reader to take a second look at some things in life that he/she may not have thought much about and see how weird or ridiculous they are. God diagnosed with bipolar disorder? That would explain a lot... things like that.
April 11, 2009
My favorite parts are the headlines, point/counterpoint, and the 'interviews.' Sometimes, they really could have left out the stories and just had the headlines, and it would have been just as funny.
May 15, 2016
FYI, everything in here is still available on the website. Still a great compilation, though. Having studied Inferno in college, "Tenth Circle Added to Rapidly Growing Hell" is one of my favorite humor pieces of all time.
August 16, 2007
Thats some funny shit!
March 28, 2008
This can put a smile on my face like few other books can, no matter what.
June 26, 2008
Late Clinton era Onion greatest hits. Splendid.
August 1, 2008
It's The Onion, so obliviously hilarious.
August 7, 2008
heh, heh, heh. This made me laugh!
May 7, 2009
I forget how good it is.
October 12, 2009
it all sounds too true to be made up
January 13, 2010
It's by The Onion. 'nuff said.
May 12, 2010
Very funny in small doses. Reading more than 20 minutes in one sitting grows tiresome and become repetitive.
January 1, 2011
Man this is funny; but it can be extremely bleak, to. Best story :family uninspired as local man succumbs unheroically to his battle with cancer.
July 31, 2011
funny, funny stuff.
August 4, 2011
The first of the Onion I was ever exposed to.
February 6, 2012
It's the Onion, the best satire there is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.