In a society obsessed with celebrity gossip and Jerry Springer-style showdowns, 'Put Downs' is a timely reminder that the truly smart do not get mad - they get even.
Packed with lightning comebacks and witty ripostes, this is the ideal compendium for anyone who has ever been lost for words in the face of dazzling rudeness or blinding stupidity. For those in search of inspiration, look at Tallulah Bankhead's exchange with the columnist, Earl Wilson, who asked the actress 'Have you ever been mistaken for a man?' Quick as a flash comes the whiplash reply, 'No, darling. Have you?' Or the downright nastiness of Prince talking about his pop rival Michael Jackson, 'His album was only called Bad because there wasn't enough room on the sleeve for Pathetic.'
'Put Downs' is filled with examples of those who have got their own back with wit and flair - or, those who have merely indulged in an unprovoked attack, just because they could.
