A review by kurtwombat
After 1903 - What? by Robert Benchley

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 Here we have a bountiful collection of Robert Benchley’s gentle witted humor with about 100 short pieces teasing at absurdity. Benchley famously of the Algonquin Round Table, and close friend of personal icon Dorothy Parker, also appeared in movies—including creating and writing a series of humorous shorts. The version of himself that you will see on screen is the version you get through his writing—gentle self-effacing rib poking with subtle depths. With this many pieces the quality is bound to fluctuate but mostly I enjoyed them. I recommend you read them few at a time—read too many in a row and their gentility will melt in your hands. If you like James Thurber or S. J. Perelman or even Stephen Leacock (if you don’t know them try them), then you will find this a very nice ride.