Today I voraciously consumed Viva la Repartee: Clever Comebacks & Witty Retorts from History’s Great Wits & Wordsmiths by Dr. Mardy Grothe.
Reading all these historical tales of great wit has humbled and rendered me shy to attempt wit of my own. So tonight I will cull just one of the hundreds of stories for your amusement. After weighing the attributes of various favorites, the following on page 140 jumped out:
While browsing one day in a used bookstore in London, George Bernard Shaw happened upon one of his old books. Opening the book, he was surprised to discover it was one he had previously given — and personally inscribed — to a friend: To So-and-So, With esteem, George Bernard Shaw.
Instantly sensing a rare opportunity, Shaw snapped up the book, had it gift wrapped, and arranged for it to be delivered to his friend. Before doing so, however, he added a few words after the original inscription: With renewed esteem, George Bernard Shaw.
