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Book Review: How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator (André de Guillaume)

B. Kline — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:08:40 +0000

How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator by André de Guillaume

Rule the World

Who doesn’t want to Rule the World? This is a humorous look at dictatorship, poking fun at the idea of it in a satirical fashion via a “handbook” style piece of work. There is some historical information and a bit of factual basis to this, but through and through though its a satirical piece of work. It talks of past dictators – Hitler, Alexander the Great, Stalin, Mao, etc, and gives evidence for how they took charge, how they seized power, how they controlled and maintained power, and even how they lost their power (or their lives).

GoodReads Blurb

The back of the book blurb according to GoodReads:

Everyone wants to rule the world, but only a precious few have the skills to create an ironclad plan of attack. Simple, direct, and delightfully unprincipled, this guide contains tales of global power mongering from every age and endeavors to show dilettante dictators and tyrants-to-be just how it’s done. Tips are provided on creating a personal flag, what type of puppet government to establish, how to squelch free speech, and, most important, how to handle enemies. Also included are humorous full-color illustrations, sidebars on admirable despots, and self-quizzes that allow readers to see if they have what it takes to conquer the world.

How to Rule the World – GoodReads

Book Review – How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator

By: Andre de Guillaume

In a world saturated with self-help books and guides on achieving personal and professional success, Andre de Guillaume takes a wildly different route with his audacious and satirical “How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator.” This compact, witty tome provides readers with a cheeky step-by-step guide on ascending to ultimate power and establishing dictatorial rule, ostensibly leaving no political stone unturned.

Overview

Guillaume’s approach is both ironic and instructive, underlined by a sharp, dark sense of humor that both entertains and provokes thought. The book, structured as a manual, covers a range of essential topics for the budding dictator, from seizing power and controlling the populace to managing international relations and suppressing opposition. The author crafts each chapter with a blend of historical anecdotes and hypothetical scenarios, creating a mock-serious tone that underscores the absurdity of the pursuit.

Writing Style

Andre de Guillaume’s writing is direct, incisive, and infused with irony. His ability to distill complex political maneuvers into digestible advice, albeit facetiously, makes for an engaging read. The text is peppered with references to historical dictators, blending real events and figures with hypothetical, often hilarious advice and scenarios. This technique not only makes the material accessible but also continuously reminds the reader of the serious undertones behind the laughter.

Audience Appeal

While “How to Rule the World” is clearly tongue-in-cheek, its appeal stretches beyond just those looking for a humorous read. Students of political science might find it a light-hearted supplement to more serious studies, offering a unique perspective on the mechanics of authoritarian rule. Meanwhile, fans of satire and political humor will appreciate the cleverness with which Guillaume mimics self-help and leadership manuals.

Critical Perspective

Despite its entertaining content, the book might not be for everyone. Some may find the subject matter offensive if taken out of context, and it’s important for readers to approach it with an understanding of its satirical intent. Additionally, while the book is amusing and clever, it doesn’t offer deep, nuanced analysis of political systems—nor is it meant to.

Overall, “How to Rule the World: A Handbook for the Aspiring Dictator” by Andre de Guillaume is a sharply witty, amusing book that cleverly satirizes the self-help and leadership genres. While it should be consumed with an appreciation for its satirical nature and not as a genuine guide, it offers valuable insights—delivered with a laugh—into the machinations of dictatorial power. For those looking to be both entertained and provoked into thought about the absurdities of absolute power, this handbook is certainly worth the read.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.66 (as of 3.14.24)

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Book Review: When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? (George Carlin)

B. Kline — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 06:11:55 +0000

When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? by George Carlin

George Carlin

George Carlin in 1975, photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

George Carlin was absolutely one of my favorite comedians. Loved his stand up specials, his books, his CDs, his way of delivering and talking and just his cadence and his tone and topics. He had a relevance and a viewpoint of the world that was both cynical as well as relatable. “A thinking man’s comic” – he was intelligent, and used it to make comedy. This wasn’t stupid comedy (Git R Done) or the like, this was linguistic, philosophic, political, sociological approaches to things with humor as the baseline. He ushered in a wave of “philosopher comedians” in the sense that, this is what Socrates could have been like if he was alive in the 1980s or 1990s.

From Wikipedia:

George Denis Patrick Carlin (May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, author, and social critic. Regarded as one of the most important and influential stand-up comedians of all time, he was dubbed “the dean of counterculture comedians”. He was known for his dark comedy and reflections on politics, the English language, psychology, religion, and taboo subjects.

Carlin was a frequent performer and guest host on The Tonight Show during the three-decade Johnny Carson era and hosted the first episode of Saturday Night Live in 1975. The first of Carlin’s 14 stand-up comedy specials for HBO was filmed in 1977, broadcast as George Carlin at USC. From the late 1980s onwards, his routines focused on sociocultural criticism of American society. He often commented on American political issues and satirized American culture. His “seven dirty words” routine was central to the 1978 United States Supreme Court case F.C.C. v. Pacifica Foundation, in which a 5–4 decision affirmed the government’s power to censor indecent material on public airwaves.

Carlin released his first solo album, Take-Offs and Put-Ons, in 1966. He went on to receive five Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, winning for FM & AM (1972), Jammin’ in New York (1992), Brain Droppings (2001), Napalm & Silly Putty (2002), and It’s Bad for Ya (2008). The latter was his final comedy special, which was filmed less than four months before his death from cardiac failure.

Carlin co-created and starred in the Fox sitcom The George Carlin Show (1994–1995). He is also known for his film performances in Car Wash (1976), Outrageous Fortune (1987), Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991), The Prince of Tides (1991), Dogma (1999), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), Scary Movie 3 (2003), and Jersey Girl (2004). He also had voice roles as Zugor in Tarzan II, Fillmore in Cars (2006), and as Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station, as well as narrating the American dubs of Thomas & Friends.

Carlin was posthumously awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2008. He placed second on Comedy Central‘s list of top 10 American comedians in 2004,^[1] while Rolling Stone magazine ranked him second on its list of the 50 best stand-up comedians of all time in 2017, in both cases behind Richard Pryor.^[2]

George Carlin – Wikipedia

When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? – GoodReads Blurb

From GoodReads, the ‘back of the book’ blurb on When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?:

On the heels of George Carlin’s #1 New York Times bestseller Napalm & Silly Putty comes When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? — infused with Carlin’s trademark irreverent humor and biting cultural observations.

Here we go again . . . George Carlin’s hilarious When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? offers his cutting-edge opinions and observational humor on everything from evasive euphemistic language to politicians to the media to dead people. Nothing and no one is safe!

Despite the current climate of political correctness, Carlin is not afraid to take on controversial

The thinking person’s comic who uses words as weapons, Carlin puts voice to issues that capture the modern imagination. For instance, why are there Ten Commandments? Are UFOs real? What will the future really be like? This brand-new collection tackles all that and more.

In When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? Carlin’s razor-sharp observations demolish everyday values and leave you laughing out loud–delivering exactly what his countless fans have been waiting for.

When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? – GoodReads

Book Review: When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?

George Carlin’s “When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?” is a provocative, irreverent, and deeply humorous book that encapsulates the legendary comedian’s unique ability to challenge societal norms while making his audience laugh out loud. This book, which was published in 2004, continues Carlin’s tradition of razor-sharp social commentary, cleverly packaged in a series of essays and observations on American life, language, politics, and the human condition.

Carlin’s style is distinctive and unapologetically blunt. Through his incisive wit, he explores a wide array of topics, from linguistic quirks to political correctness, to the failings of human behaviors and societal structures. Carlin’s criticism is not reserved for any single group; he freely dispenses his scathing insights across the entire spectrum of social and political life.

The book’s title itself is an example of Carlin’s approach, satirically questioning religious sensitivities and cultural taboos. This sets the tone for the entire text, which is a roller coaster ride through Carlin’s irrepressible musings. His ability to link commonplace observations with profound insights is remarkable, making readers laugh while simultaneously prompting them to think critically about the absurdities of everyday life.

However, “When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?” may not be for everyone. Carlin’s humor is often dark and involves a heavy dose of cynicism. Those sensitive to criticism of societal norms and values, particularly around religion and politics, might find his jokes too harsh or offensive. Nonetheless, for fans of Carlin’s brand of humor and new readers with an appetite for critical thought and a tolerance for edgy comedy, this book is a treasure trove of laughs and unexpected wisdom.

From a literary standpoint, Carlin’s work in this book is a seamless continuation of his performances on stage. It’s as if one is reading his stand-up routine, with the added benefit of being able to pause, reflect, and dive back in for more. His mastery of language is evident; he plays with words in a way that is both artful and accessible, ensuring that his messages are not lost in the comedy.

In conclusion, “When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?” is an excellent example of George Carlin’s enduring legacy as a comedian and social commentator. It is a testament to his brilliant mind and his courage to speak boldly on issues many shy away from. The book is a compelling read for those who appreciate humor that is not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating and provocatively enlightening. For those who enjoy a deep dive into the quirks of human society with no topic off-limits, Carlin’s book is a must-read.

My GoodReads Rating: ****
My LibraryThing Rating: ****
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.89 (as of 2.21.24)

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Book Review: Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School (Benjamin Franklin)

B. Kline — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 03:20:59 +0000

Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School (writings by Benjamin Franklin)

Fart Proudly

How can you pass up a book titled “Fart Proudly” when browsing through a library book sale? I don’t think I could have spent 50 cents any better than picking this up. I would be doing myself, and all around me a disservice if I didn’t purchase it.

Thats one of the best things about these library booksales (and I love going to them, I go regularly to the Hershey Public Library Book Sale, the Hummelstown one at William H. and Marion C. Alexander Library, as well as the Middletown Public Library Book Sale, the Elizabethtown Public Library Book Sale, the Palmyra Library Book Sale, and others); you can find books like this. Books that you had no idea even existed let alone knew that you needed or wanted. And their just a quarter, or fifty scents, or at most two dollars.

Benjamin Franklin

From Wikipedia:

Benjamin Franklin FRS FRSA FRSE (January 17, 1706 [O.S. January 6, 1705]^{[Note 1]} – April 17, 1790) was an American polymath, a leading writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher.^[1] Among the most influential intellectuals of his time, Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States; a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the first postmaster general.^[2]

Franklin became a successful newspaper editor and printer in Philadelphia, the leading city in the colonies, publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette at age 23.^[3] He became wealthy publishing this and Poor Richard’s Almanack, which he wrote under the pseudonym “Richard Saunders”.^[4] After 1767, he was associated with the Pennsylvania Chronicle, a newspaper known for its revolutionary sentiments and criticisms of the policies of the British Parliament and the Crown.^[5]

He pioneered and was the first president of the Academy and College of Philadelphia, which opened in 1751 and later became the University of Pennsylvania. He organized and was the first secretary of the American Philosophical Society and was elected its president in 1769. He was appointed deputy postmaster-general for the British colonies in 1753,^[6] which enabled him to set up the first national communications network.

He was active in community affairs and colonial and state politics, as well as national and international affairs. Franklin became a hero in America when, as an agent in London for several colonies, he spearheaded the repeal of the unpopular Stamp Act by the British Parliament. An accomplished diplomat, he was widely admired as the first U.S. ambassador to France and was a major figure in the development of positive Franco–American relations. His efforts proved vital for the American Revolution in securing French aid.

From 1785 to 1788, he served as President of Pennsylvania. At some points in his life, he owned slaves and ran “for sale” ads for slaves in his newspaper, but by the late 1750s, he began arguing against slavery, became an active abolitionist, and promoted the education and integration of African Americans into U.S. society.

As a scientist, his studies of electricity made him a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics. He also charted and named the Gulf Stream current. His numerous important inventions include the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove.^[7] He founded many civic organizations, including the Library Company, Philadelphia‘s first fire department,^[8] and the University of Pennsylvania.^[9] Franklin earned the title of “The First American” for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity. Foundational in defining the American ethos, Franklin has been called “the most accomplished American of his age and the most influential in inventing the type of society America would become”.^[10]

His life and legacy of scientific and political achievement, and his status as one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers, have seen Franklin honored for more than two centuries after his death on the $100 bill and in the names of warships, many towns and counties, educational institutions, and corporations, as well as in numerous cultural references and a portrait in the Oval Office. His more than 30,000 letters and documents have been collected in The Papers of Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin – Wikipedia

Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School GoodReads Blurb

Before we get into the book review, lets dive into the back of the book’s blurb, as per GoodReads:

A mention of flatulence might conjure up images of bratty high school boys or lowbrow comics. But one of the most eloquent—and least expected—commentators on the subject is Benjamin Franklin. The writings in Fart Proudly reveal the rogue who lived peaceably within the philosopher and statesman. Included are “The Letter to a Royal Academy”; “On Choosing a Mistress”; “Rules on Making Oneself Disagreeable”; and other jibes. Franklin’s irrepressible wit found an outlet in perpetrating hoaxes, attacking marriage and other sacred cows, and skewering the English Parliament. Reminding us of the humorous, irreverent side of this American icon, these essays endure as both hilarious satire and a timely reminder of the importance of a free press.

Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School – GoodReads

Book Review: Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School

“Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School” is a compilation that presents a different side of one of America’s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Edited by Carl Japikse, this collection brings together some of Franklin’s more humorous and lesser-known writings, showcasing his wit, irreverence, and intellectual playfulness.

This book serves as a reminder that Franklin was not just a statesman, scientist, and philosopher but also a master of satire and humor. The title itself, “Fart Proudly,” refers to an actual essay written by Franklin that satirically suggests scientific research into making flatulence smell pleasant. This essay, alongside others in the collection, highlights Franklin’s ability to use humor to provoke thought on societal norms and scientific inquiry.

The compilation includes a variety of pieces, such as essays, letters, and hoaxes, many of which might surprise readers familiar only with Franklin’s more formal and well-known public writings. For example, his witty letter to the Royal Academy of Brussels, where he mockingly proposes that research should be conducted to diminish the offensive smell of human flatulence, is both an exercise in satire and an ingenious critique of the sometimes absurd pursuits of scientific societies.

Japikse does a commendable job in curating these texts, not only by selecting content that illustrates Franklin’s playful side but also by providing context that helps modern readers understand the 18th-century references and humor. This contextual information is crucial, as it allows readers to appreciate the cleverness and impact of Franklin’s words during his time.

“Fart Proudly” also reveals Franklin’s progressive thoughts on personal freedoms and societal improvements. Even through his humorous writings, he challenged social norms, criticized political structures, and advocated for intellectual freedom and improvement of the human condition. His sharp wit was not merely for entertainment but often served a larger purpose, encouraging his readers to think critically and skeptically about the world around them.

Overall, “Fart Proudly” is not just an anthology of forgotten writings but a delightful glimpse into the playful and cunning mind of Benjamin Franklin. It’s an engaging read for anyone interested in American history, literature, or political satire. The book serves as a potent reminder of the power of humor in communication and the timeless quality of Franklin’s intellect and wit. This collection is recommended for readers who enjoy a mix of history, humor, and unconventional perspectives from one of America’s most influential figures.

My GoodReads Rating: ***
My LibraryThing Rating: ***1/2
Global Average GoodReads Rating: 3.79 (as of 2.14.24)

Other Book Reviews

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