Wit of the World

"Humor teaches tolerance," noted once the English writer Somerset Maugham. And indeed, an ironic attitude towards something leaves no room for annoyance or anger, awakening condescension towards others' shortcomings or weaknesses. Laughter heals and provides comfort. This has been well understood by people throughout history, which is why wit has always been considered a trait of a wise person. This book collects short stories from the lives of rulers and generals, scientists and writers, actors and jesters. They form a peculiar encyclopedia of humor, covering all eras, from ancient Greece and Rome to the 20th century.