The New Penguin Dictionary of Modern Quotations

Book excerpt: Bursting with witty one-liners of comedians, the pronouncements of politicians, references from films, literature, song lyrics, tabloid headlines, and even the occasional piece of graffiti, this irresistible resource brings together 8,000 of the pithiest and most provocative quotations from 1914 to the present. To help put the quotations in context, this volume includes biographical sketches of everyone quoted, citing their views on themselves and their often caustic remarks regarding others. In addition there are illuminating insights into individual remarks that clarify who said what (did James Cagney ever really say "You dirty rat"?), why they said it, and how they often wished they hadn't (Andy Warhol's coming to regret his "famous for fifteen minutes" remark).