Literary Lapses

Stephen Leacock was the humorist who made the English-speaking world laugh harder than any writer of his generation. Literary Lapses collects his finest short pieces: razor-sharp observations on modern life, gentle satire of pomposity and pretension, and the absurd little tragedies of ordinary people taking themselves far too seriously. These are not crude jokes but sophisticated wit, delivered with a straight face and a twinkling eye. Whether he's dissecting the tragedy of a man who arrives at the station three hours early, or explaining why correspondence courses will ruin education, Leacock finds the comedy hidden in everyday situations. A century later, his touch remains flawless. Perfect for readers who want wit without cruelty, and laughter without a cynical bone in its body.