On the Decay of the Art of Lying (American Roots)
Price
$7.69
Format
Hardcover
Pages
40
Publisher
American Roots
Publication Date
Illustrated edition (May 31, 2015
ISBN-13
978-1429096164
Dimensions
4.25 x 0.25 x 6.75 inches
Weight
3.2 ounces
Description
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. "When I was growing up my grandfather advised me: 'Dress British, but think Yiddish.' It was good counsel and this has ruled me most of my life. The advice, of course, suggested that I learn to build an exterior that belied my interior. I can only imagine what Mark Twain would have thought about this, but for me it was a call to practice a high art of lying. We live in an age where Truth and Trust are sisters. But while everyone is clamoring for transparency, sometimes a filter of color softens the light, and brings comfort and warmth to those friends, family, acquaintances, and passersby who need it most." ―Phil Zuckerman, Publisher
Features & Highlights
- In 1880, the great American author and humorist Mark Twain wrote his essay "On the Decay of the Art of Lying" for a Historical and Antiquarian Club meeting in Hartford, Connecticut. Twain's humorous and satirical voice is in full flower, as he discusses the universal pastime of lying, and suggests that judicious lying should be encouraged and cultivated – as long as one strives "…to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely, not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously…" This short work is part of Applewood's "American Roots" series, tactile mementos of American passions by some of America's most famous writers and thinkers.
