Oxymoronica: Paradoxical Wit and Wisdom from History's Greatest Wordsmiths

A must-have for language lovers, this compendium contains hundreds of mind-stretching observations that are contradictory or illogical on one level, yet true, witty, and often profound on another.

ox-y-mor-on-i-ca (OK-se-mor-ON-uh-ca) noun: Any variety of tantalizing, self-contradictory statements or observations that on the surface appear false or illogical, but at a deeper level are profoundly true.

For example:

"Melancholy is the pleasure of being sad."

"To lead the people, walk behind them."

"You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap."

For over a decade Dr. Mardy Grothe has delighted readers with this collection of 1,400 of the most provocative quotations of all time. From ancient thinkers like Confucius, Aristotle and Saint Augustine, to great writers like Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and G. B. Shaw, to modern social observers like Woody Allen and Lily Tomlin, Oxymoronica celebrates the power and beauty of paradoxical thinking. All areas of human activity are explored, including love, sex, romance, politics, the arts, marriage and family, and, of course, the literary life. Sure to grab the attention of language lovers everywhere, the wise and witty observations in this book are as entertaining as they are intellectually nourishing. 

This one-of-a-kind collection of oxymorons and paradoxes explores:

• Witty Observations: Discover why Dolly Parton claimed, "You’d be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap," and explore hundreds of other zingers from Oscar Wilde, G. B. Shaw, and Woody Allen.
• Profound Truths: Unpack the wisdom in ancient paradoxes like Lao-tzu’s "To lead the people, walk behind them," from thinkers as diverse as Confucius and Saint Augustine.
• Contradictions in Terms: Delve into the "sweet sorrow" and "happy agony" of the oxymoron, the rhetorical device that packs a punch by revealing truth through contradiction.
• For Language Lovers: A mind-stretching journey through 1,400 of history’s most provocative quotations, exploring everything from politics and love to the literary life itself.

ox-y-mor-on-i-ca (OK-see-mor-ON-uh-kuh) noun: Any variety of self-contradictory statements or observations that on the surface appear false or illogical, but at a deeper level are profoundly true.

For more than a decade Dr. Mardy Grothe has delighted readers with this collection of 1,500 of the most provocative quotations of all time. From ancient thinkers and great writers to modern social observers, Oxymoronica celebrates the power and beauty of paradoxical thinking.

In this new and updated edition, Dr. Mardy has added 130 classic and unforgettable turns of phrase, bringing the joy of oxymoronica to new audiences. Exploring all facets of life, the wise and witty observations in this book are sure to inspire readers, writers, and language lovers everywhere.

“Truly the most comprehensible collection of contradictions around.” - Erin McKean, Editor of Verbatim: The Language Quarterly

You don’t need military intelligence to enjoy this quirky, surprising, and educational tour through a previously uncharted region of the English language. - Robert Byrne, compiler of The 2,548 Best Things Anybody Ever Said

“The quintessential collection of memorable, push-me-pull-you, yin-yang statements. Mardy Grothe has labored lovingly in the words yards of paradoxology.” - Richard Lederer, from the Foreword

“As addictive as a bowl of peanuts--you can’t stop after just one paradox from Oxymoronica!” - A. Ross Eckler, author of Making the Alphabet Dance

Promises to engage you for long moments -- or short hours -- in its paradoxical simplicity. - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Got a passion for paradox? A weakness for wordplay? If so, put the good doctor’s latest on your must-read list. - Gotham Magazine

“Good clean fun-with a bit of an edge.” - Publishers Weekly