The wit of the world. Comp. Zhukov K.S.

“Humor teaches tolerance,” once the English writer said Somerset Moem. Indeed, an ironic attitude to something leaves no place for annoyance or anger, arouses condescension to other people's shortcomings or weaknesses. Laughter heals and gives reassurance. This was well understood by people at all times, so wit was always considered a property of a wise person.

This book contains short stories from the life of rulers and commanders, scientists and writers, actors and jesters. They develop into a kind of encyclopedia of humor, covering all eras, starting from ancient Greece and Rome and ending with the 20th century.