First published 1997
James D. Hornfischer, who wrote Right Thinking, presents a curated collection of sharp liberal commentary spanning over two millennia. The book opens with ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes and moves through history to capture the wit of progressive voices. Hornfischer includes memorable lines from President John F. Kennedy and President Bill Clinton alongside other liberal thinkers who shaped political discourse. Each quote demonstrates the humor and intelligence that liberal voices have brought to public debate across different eras. The collection reveals how progressive thinkers have used wit as a weapon against conservative orthodoxy. Readers discover how liberal humor has evolved from ancient Athens to modern America while maintaining its bite and relevance. The book offers both entertainment and insight into the liberal mindset across centuries.
Genres: satire, american-fiction, humor, political-science, 21st-century
Vibes: insightful, thought-provoking, witty
Tropes: commentary, wit-as-weapon
Period: Ancient Athens, Modern America
144 pages · Paperback · St. Martin's Press