Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts to Explain the Entire U.S. Government
by P. J. O'Rourke
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Book Summary Information
Author: P. J. O'RourkeForeword: Andrew Ferguson
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-01-07
ISBN: 0802139701
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: Grove Press
Book Reviews of Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts to Explain the Entire U.S. Government
Book Review: A MUST for those interested in either government or humor!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is fantastic in two ways: It presents an intelligent, intricate look at how the US government works (or doesn't work) and keeps the reader not only interested, but constantly laughing.
Unlike many other so-called political satirists, O' Rourke doesn't just poke fun at politicians and institutions, he delves into the reasons WHY our government has become so bloated and inefficient. To be fair (and although its no secret O' Rourke is conservative, he usually is fair and open-minded), he does point out some of the things our government does do well and states that most of our elected officials do work hard and have the most honorable intentions.
Liberals may be apprehensive about reading a book from an author with a conservative slant, but partisan politics is virtually absent here. Unlike typical Republican lapdogs (e.g. Rush Limbaugh), O' Rourke doesn't preach and this book is more observational than anything else; making observations is more informative (and funnier) than stating opinions anyway.
This book was put together in the eighties and some of the examples and names may be dated, but thats inconsequential to the enjoyment of the book, since he writes about our institutions rather than events or people. Some of the stories will inflame readers, exposing the multitude of ways in which the government wastes time, money and lives, but the resultant black humor is so hysterical you're more likely to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.
This may be O' Rourke's finest book in a career filled with great books; its a double-threat: Its funnier than most humor books AND more informative and intelligent than most political/sociological books.
I can wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone who likes to think or laugh (that covers mostly everyone, at least outside of government :))
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