The Insanity Defense
Subtitle: The Complete Prose
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Published: June 12, 2007
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 352
ISBN-13: 9780812978117
Subjects: Form - Essays; Humor / Essays; Allen, Woody - Prose & Criticism; Humor
Description: The Insanity Defense reveals many sides of Woody Allen as he holds forth on the most human of urges ("Why does man kill? He kills for food. And not only for food: frequently there must be a beverage"); reflects on death ("I don't believe in an afterlife, although I am bringing a change of underwear"); and notes the effect on history wrought by trick chewing gum, the dribble glass, and other novelties. There is also an inspiring story of the futile race to beat Dr. Heimlich to the punch: "The food went down the wrong pipe, and choking occurred. Grasping the mouse firmly by the tail, I snapped it like a small whip, and the morsel of cheese came loose. If we can transfer the procedure to humans, we may have something. Too early to tell." -- Publishers description.