Publisher Description

'Brilliant! Will make a perfect Xmas stocking filler' Bronya Ralley 'Delightful. This dip-in-anywhere book put a smile on my face from the first page . . . for everyone who likes a good chuckle' Ruth MilliganAs we all know, the oxymoron is one of the great beauties of the English language. It has been defined as 'a figure of speech that juxtaposes elements that appear to be contradictory'. Famous examples would include 'bitter-sweet', 'open secret' and 'compassionate Conservatism'.Seriously Funny, and Other Oxymorons brings together a great many examples of the oxymoron genre, amusingly illustrated by Paul Thomas. The book is arranged according to various categories ranging from Popular Culture to Political Principles and Business Ethics, all covered in Simon Brett's inimitably witty style.Anyone with an 'unbiased opinion' will quickly grasp that Seriously Funny makes a 'devilishly nice' book.

Flap

A modern book of oxymorons, from 'alcohol-free wine' to 'compassionate Conservatism' The oxymoron is one of the great beauties of the English language - 'a figure of speech that juxtaposes elements that appear to be contradictory'. Some are so common that they are part of everyday language: when we speak of acting naturally . . . or a victimless crime . . . or buy a one-size-fits-all garment . . . the oxymoron is there, hiding in plain sight . From Popular Culture , to Political Principles and Business Ethics , this book (sure to be a new classic ) contains a seriously funny collection of the most brilliantly silly oxymorons, accompanied by amusing illustrations by Paul Thomas. Numb Feeling: This can be prompted by many domestic events, such opening a spouse's credit card statement, picking up the telephone bill for a teenager in love, or simply standing on the bathroom scales. Open Secret: There are many of these in relationships, the most common being a husband having an affair that everyone knows about (except his wife). Useful FAQ: FAQ is an abbreviation for 'Frequently Asked Questions'. Lists of FAQs are guaranteed to list the answer to every question except the one you want the answer to.

Author Biography

SIMON BRETT is the author of over one hundred books, many of them crime novels, including the Charles Paris, Mrs Pargeter and Fethering series. Educated at Dulwich College and Wadham College, Oxford, Simon was chairman of the Crime Writers Association from 1986 to 1987 and of the Society of Authors from 1995 to 1997. He was also President of the Detection Club and was awarded the 2014 CWA Diamond Dagger. In 2016 he was awarded an OBE for services to literature. He lives near Arundel in West Sussex and is married with three grown-up children and six grandchildren.

Long Description

'Brilliant! Will make a perfect Xmas stocking filler' Bronya Ralley'Delightful. This dip-in-anywhere book put a smile on my face from the first page . . . for everyone who likes a good chuckle' Ruth MilliganAs we all know, the oxymoron is one of the great beauties of the English language. It has been defined as 'a figure of speech that juxtaposes elements that appear to be contradictory'. Famous examples would include 'bitter-sweet', 'open secret' and 'compassionate Conservatism'. Seriously Funny, and Other Oxymorons brings together a great many examples of the oxymoron genre, amusingly illustrated by Paul Thomas. The book is arranged according to various categories ranging from Popular Culture to Political Principles and Business Ethics, all covered in Simon Brett's inimitably witty style.Anyone with an 'unbiased opinion' will quickly grasp that Seriously Funny makes a 'devilishly nice' book.

Promotional "Headline"

A humorous gift book: collection of oxymorons, amusingly illustrated by Paul Thomas.

Details