Few people claim to have no knowledge of Alfred E. Neuman, the forever-smiling, freckle-faced, redheaded, big-eared, one-tooth-missing moniker of MAD magazine. Wielding farce and sarcasm as Zeus does thunderbolts, writers have produced a number of hilarious yet ironically thought-provoking one-liners in MAD's decades of existence.
MAD's editors have brought together a number of the magazine's most well-known lines. Like writings on a public bathroom wall, "The Half-Wit and Wisdom of Alfred E. Neuman" will bowl readers over with slapstick humor and - maybe for just a second or two - really make them think about something.
This small book is divided into eight sections. In the "Words to Live by" section, Mr. Neuman proclaims: "Live every day as if it were your last, because one of these days you'll be right"; "If at first you don't succeed, you're about normal"; "Experience is something you never have until just after you need it."
Perhaps Neuman's most biting criticisms take place in the book's "Politics and Government" chapter. The hilarious book whips out sayings like: "These days, the only time politicians are telling the truth is when they call each other a liar," and "Isn't it amazing how political candidates can give you all their good points and qualifications in a 30-second TV commercial?"
Other interesting sayings include: "How is it that people looking for a helping hand tend to overlook the one at the end of their arm?"; "We're living in an age when lemonade is made with artificial ingredients and furniture polish is made with real lemons"; " The early bird gets the worm, but look what happens to the early worm!"
Ending with the famous quote, "What - Me Worry?," "The Half-Wit and Wisdom of Alfred E. Neuman" stays true to its MAD magazine form. This book is undeniably funny, in a fluffy-ish, socially conscious sort of way. Not a terrible buy at all.
- Eugene Bowen