Bartlett's Book of Anecdotes

I have not yet finished the book, but have found two quotes in error. There are some wonderful stories in here, however.This quote is one that was misquoted, and the original version, which turns out to be wholly imaginary, is worth knowing. This book quotes it as Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon were identified by Bob Dole as Hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil. That's not even amusing in the least. The fictional version below is far more true, and surely Bob Dole would have said it if he'd gotten the chance.1983 March 26Bob Dole: “Hear No Evil, See No Evil . . . And Evil (Richard Nixon)”At the annual Gridiron Club dinner, an event in Washington, DC largely devoted to political humor, Senate Republican leader Bob Dole told a story about a recent event when he saw former presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Richard Nixon standing together on the podium. Dole claimed that he told people to “Look! Hear no evil, see no evil, and evil (Nixon).”Bob Dole was noted among leading politicians for his caustic wit, which he directed at both Democrats and Republicans in a non-partisan manner. And yes, he did tell this joke at the Gridiron Club Dinner, and yes, he made up the story.Richard Nixon holds the distinction of being the only president in American history to resign the office, and Nixon resigned in disgrace because of the abuses of power that were exposed as a result of the Watergate Scandal.Another error attributes the quote about not picking an argument with a man who buys ink by the barrel, which I thought was much older than the man who's given credit for it, and it turns out that many a wit has been given credit for this one.A lot of these were printed in Reader's Digest over the years, and the Digest is well known for its fact checking. Perhaps the editors for this book should have checked with the Digest on some of these.Some of my favorite anecdotes appear in this book, a source of enjoyment again and again.

There are literally tons of anecdotes in this book however more than 99% of them are of Caucasian people. There is practically nothing as it relates to people of color. Very popular people of color from the 20th century are simply absent. Don't get me wrong, there's still value in the book. I was just expecting something more diverse.

Most books of quotations that I have owned are a bit preachy or pompous.This one has a bunch of laugh out loud anecdotes which will brighten your day.

As a teacher of English & a constant writer for the newspaper, all Bartlet's books are at my side. I don't use them often, but when I need them I find them invaluable.

For some reason I thought it a different book. Skimmed through it. Found a few good quotes and stories. On time too.

There are so many, easy to reference, anecdotes here that any speaker will find it incredibly useful.

I must admit, I have had this book either by my bed or (forgive me!) in the bathroom for at least 20 years and am on my third - the other two worn out from too frequent reading. Lots of wonderful tidbits on just about anyone you can think of in history/literature/the arts/music. Highly recommended.

Love the book but since when was dictator Franko born in 1829 and died in 1975. This was funnier than any story in it.

VERY old book. Minimally useful.