Donald Ogden Stewart

Donald Ogden Stewart's "A Parody Outline of History" is a hilarious skewering of American history, offering a satirical and humorous take on the nation's past. This witty spoof provides a unique perspective, using parody to expose the absurdities and ironies within historical narratives. A classic of American humor, this book is a treasure trove of satirical observations. Stewart's sharp wit and clever writing make it a delightful read for anyone interested in American history or simply looking for a good laugh. A meticulously prepared print republication, this edition allows readers to experience Stewart's unique brand of historical humor. Prepare to see the familiar stories of the United States in a completely new-and utterly comical-light. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

First published in 1922, this parody of etiquette and social mores makes fun of the pitfalls of courtship, engagement, and marriage, as well as such social settings as dinner parties, sporting events, and the theater. With satirical Jazz-era illustrations by Ralph Barton, known at the time for his caricatures of actors and other celebrities, the book's humor holds up remarkably well today, with such "crises" as how to deal with a screaming baby in a crowded, confined space or how to write a proper love letter to one's fianc e. With Marx Brothers-like literary slapstick, Perfect Behavior is the perfect impulse gift for anyone who enjoys a good laugh over everyday social foibles.

Mr. H. G. Wells, in his "Outline of History," was of necessity forced to omit the narration of many of the chief events in the history of these United States. Such omissions I have in this brief volume endeavored to supply. And as American history can possibly best be written by Americans and as we have among us no H. G. Wells, I have imagined an American history as written conjointly by a group of our most characteristic literary figures. Apologies are due the various authors whose style and, more particularly, whose Weltanschauung I have here attempted to reproduce; thanks are due The Bookman for permission to reprint such of these chapters as appeared in that publication. I give both freely.

Perfect Behavior by Donald Ogden Stewart is a parody outline of etiquette by the Author of "A Parody Outline of History" The perfect gentleman is he who never unintentionally causes pain.--OLD PROVERB Contents: The etiquette of courtship -- The etiquette of engagements and weddings -- The etiquette of travel -- At the concert and the opera -- Etiquette for dry agents -- A chapter for schoolgirls -- The etiquette of games and sports -- Correspondence and invitations -- The etiquette of dinners and balls.