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Bartlett’s Book of Anecdotes

Authors: Clifton Fadiman, André Bernard, Clifton Fadiman, André Bernard

Overview

My anthology, ‘Bartlett’s Book of Anecdotes,’ is a revised and expanded collection of biographical anecdotes spanning history and cultures, offering readers a glimpse into the lives and personalities of notable figures. I’ve gathered these stories not simply for their entertainment value, though amusement is certainly a key ingredient, but for their ability to capture ‘minute notices of human nature.’ Like Plutarch, I believe that seemingly trivial actions or remarks can often reveal more about a person’s true character than grand accomplishments.

This updated edition emphasizes modern figures, reflecting contemporary tastes for brevity and wit, while still preserving some historically significant, if longer, narratives from earlier periods. I’ve tried, wherever possible, to verify the authenticity of these sometimes apocryphal tales, recognizing that anecdotes can be embellished, misattributed, and even invented over time. The anecdotes themselves provide a rich tapestry of human experience, ranging from moments of high drama and tragedy to instances of witty repartee and sheer absurdity. They offer insights into the customs and character of different eras and cultures, and though some may appear dated, they retain their power to enlighten and amuse.

My target audience is the general reader interested in history, biography, and the vagaries of human nature. The book is intended for both casual reading and as a work of reference. Though not claiming to be a definitive encyclopedia of biographical information, the anecdotes collected here provide a readily accessible and memorable way of learning something about the personalities who shaped our world and the events that influenced their lives. As the world continues to embrace short-form communication, particularly in digital media, the continued vitality of this literary format is clear, and this book will contribute to that tradition.

Book Outline

1. Introduction

Anecdotes are not simply funny stories, but ‘minute notices of human nature.’ Their value lies in their brevity, their surprising taglines, and their power to illuminate odd corners of history and biography. Although primarily entertaining, the best anecdotes may offer glimpses into the customs and characters of bygone eras, and even act as ‘accurate indices to character.’

Key concept: Opinions are fallible, but not examples.

2. Note to the Revised Edition

This collection focuses primarily on modern anecdotes, reflecting a preference for terseness over the prolixity favored in earlier centuries. The definition of ‘anecdote’ itself has evolved, shifting from extended biographies to short, pointed narratives with a ‘nub or point or center.’ However, some longer anecdote-episodes are included for their historical or emotional impact.

Key concept: One man’s chestnut is another man’s marron glacé.

3. Anecdotes A-Z

Anecdotes can act as a ‘leveling device,’ humanizing great figures and democratizing history. They reveal character more vividly than official accounts and offer insights into the ‘sheer multifariousness of human personality.’ While entertainment is their primary aim, well-chosen anecdotes can also illustrate moral lessons, illuminate historical events, and challenge the banality of everyday discourse.

Key concept: I am searching for the bones of your father, but I cannot distinguish them from those of his slaves.

Essential Questions

1. What is the core function of an anecdote, and how does ‘Bartlett’s’ exemplify this function?

Question 1: Anecdotes, at their core, reveal human nature. They unveil character through seemingly trivial actions and remarks, often more effectively than formal biographies or historical accounts. This collection, while emphasizing modern figures, acknowledges the evolution of the anecdote itself, from lengthy narratives to concise, pointed stories with a clear “nub.” From Diogenes’s retort to Alexander about the indistinguishability of kings’ and slaves’ bones to Coolidge’s laconic wit, these stories capture the essence of individuals, transcending time and circumstance. The sheer variety of these “minute notices” demonstrates the unpredictable nature of human character, underlining the anthology’s goal of illustrating this diversity.

2. How do Fadiman and Bernard address the issue of authenticity in anecdotes, and why is this important?

Question 2: Authenticity in anecdotes is often elusive. While I strove for accuracy whenever possible, the very nature of anecdotes, passed down through generations and across cultures, invites embellishment, misattribution, and even outright fabrication. The inclusion of some possibly apocryphal stories underlines the tension between historical accuracy and narrative effect. From Talleyrand’s fabricated witticisms to unsubstantiated Lincoln tales, the book acknowledges the slippery nature of anecdotal truth, urging readers to appreciate their illustrative power while maintaining a healthy skepticism.

3. How does nationality influence the types of anecdotes included, and what limitations does this impose on the book?

Question 3: The book leans heavily towards British and American sources, a bias reflecting my own linguistic limitations and cultural background. While anecdotes, as a literary genre, appear to thrive in societies with a strong democratic tradition, I recognize that other cultures may have different narrative preferences or comedic sensibilities. The relative absence of anecdotes from Eastern cultures, for instance, suggests that the concept of the pointed, biographical anecdote may not be universally valued or even understood in the same way.

1. What is the core function of an anecdote, and how does ‘Bartlett’s’ exemplify this function?

Question 1: Anecdotes, at their core, reveal human nature. They unveil character through seemingly trivial actions and remarks, often more effectively than formal biographies or historical accounts. This collection, while emphasizing modern figures, acknowledges the evolution of the anecdote itself, from lengthy narratives to concise, pointed stories with a clear “nub.” From Diogenes’s retort to Alexander about the indistinguishability of kings’ and slaves’ bones to Coolidge’s laconic wit, these stories capture the essence of individuals, transcending time and circumstance. The sheer variety of these “minute notices” demonstrates the unpredictable nature of human character, underlining the anthology’s goal of illustrating this diversity.

2. How do Fadiman and Bernard address the issue of authenticity in anecdotes, and why is this important?

Question 2: Authenticity in anecdotes is often elusive. While I strove for accuracy whenever possible, the very nature of anecdotes, passed down through generations and across cultures, invites embellishment, misattribution, and even outright fabrication. The inclusion of some possibly apocryphal stories underlines the tension between historical accuracy and narrative effect. From Talleyrand’s fabricated witticisms to unsubstantiated Lincoln tales, the book acknowledges the slippery nature of anecdotal truth, urging readers to appreciate their illustrative power while maintaining a healthy skepticism.

3. How does nationality influence the types of anecdotes included, and what limitations does this impose on the book?

Question 3: The book leans heavily towards British and American sources, a bias reflecting my own linguistic limitations and cultural background. While anecdotes, as a literary genre, appear to thrive in societies with a strong democratic tradition, I recognize that other cultures may have different narrative preferences or comedic sensibilities. The relative absence of anecdotes from Eastern cultures, for instance, suggests that the concept of the pointed, biographical anecdote may not be universally valued or even understood in the same way.

Key Takeaways

1. Anecdotes illuminate character.

Takeaway 1: While intended primarily as entertainment, anecdotes can reveal character more effectively than official accounts or even accomplishments. Plutarch’s observation, echoed in my introduction, that ‘very often an action of small note… shall distinguish a person’s real character more than the greatest sieges,’ highlights the power of anecdotes to reveal human nature in its surprising, unedited form. From Churchill’s wartime wit to Lincoln’s homespun wisdom, these ‘minute notices’ offer glimpses into the core of individuals.

Practical Application:

Application 1: In product design, understanding user needs is paramount. Anecdotes can provide valuable, human-centered insights that go beyond quantitative data. By collecting and analyzing anecdotal feedback about user experiences and frustrations with existing products, designers can better address pain points and develop more user-friendly designs. A single anecdote about a user struggling with a particular interface element, for instance, can be more revealing than pages of usage statistics.

2. Anecdotes add human dimension to history.

Takeaway 2: Anecdotes can illuminate history, often more vividly than formal historical accounts. They offer glimpses into the customs, social mores, and beliefs of different eras. From King Alfred’s burned cakes to Elizabeth I’s witty rejoinders, these stories add color and texture to our understanding of the past. Even seemingly trivial anecdotes can offer insights into the cultural and historical context in which notable figures lived and acted.

Practical Application:

Application 2: In technology development, understanding history is crucial for avoiding past mistakes. Anecdotes, as ‘gleaming toys of history,’ can encapsulate important technical or design lessons. Remembering Babbage’s frustration with the inaccuracies of the hand-copied mathematical tables used at the time or Edison’s reliance on trial-and-error, for instance, can remind developers of the importance of automation and rigorous testing. Such narratives can help inform current practices and prevent costly or even disastrous errors.

3. Anecdotes are powerful rhetorical devices.

Takeaway 3: A well-chosen anecdote is a potent tool of rhetoric, capable of persuading, enlightening, or entertaining more effectively than abstract arguments or data. From Cicero’s use of anecdotes to make a philosophical point to Lincoln’s folksy tales that conveyed profound truths, the illustrative power of the well-told story is clear. Furthermore, anecdotes, by humanizing speakers and challenging conventional discourse, can enhance communication and foster connection, especially in professional settings.

Practical Application:

Application 3: In effective meetings, the judicious use of anecdotes can serve several important purposes. A well-chosen anecdote can help make a complex topic or technical detail more readily accessible and memorable. It can lighten the tone of a discussion and create greater engagement. Finally, as demonstrated by numerous anecdotes, a pointed story can help defuse a tense situation or even persuade more powerfully than logic or data. As Churchill remarked, however, an anecdote at its finest depends on the right tagline. One must give the listener the unexpected, which takes preparation.

1. Anecdotes illuminate character.

Takeaway 1: While intended primarily as entertainment, anecdotes can reveal character more effectively than official accounts or even accomplishments. Plutarch’s observation, echoed in my introduction, that ‘very often an action of small note… shall distinguish a person’s real character more than the greatest sieges,’ highlights the power of anecdotes to reveal human nature in its surprising, unedited form. From Churchill’s wartime wit to Lincoln’s homespun wisdom, these ‘minute notices’ offer glimpses into the core of individuals.

Practical Application:

Application 1: In product design, understanding user needs is paramount. Anecdotes can provide valuable, human-centered insights that go beyond quantitative data. By collecting and analyzing anecdotal feedback about user experiences and frustrations with existing products, designers can better address pain points and develop more user-friendly designs. A single anecdote about a user struggling with a particular interface element, for instance, can be more revealing than pages of usage statistics.

2. Anecdotes add human dimension to history.

Takeaway 2: Anecdotes can illuminate history, often more vividly than formal historical accounts. They offer glimpses into the customs, social mores, and beliefs of different eras. From King Alfred’s burned cakes to Elizabeth I’s witty rejoinders, these stories add color and texture to our understanding of the past. Even seemingly trivial anecdotes can offer insights into the cultural and historical context in which notable figures lived and acted.

Practical Application:

Application 2: In technology development, understanding history is crucial for avoiding past mistakes. Anecdotes, as ‘gleaming toys of history,’ can encapsulate important technical or design lessons. Remembering Babbage’s frustration with the inaccuracies of the hand-copied mathematical tables used at the time or Edison’s reliance on trial-and-error, for instance, can remind developers of the importance of automation and rigorous testing. Such narratives can help inform current practices and prevent costly or even disastrous errors.

3. Anecdotes are powerful rhetorical devices.

Takeaway 3: A well-chosen anecdote is a potent tool of rhetoric, capable of persuading, enlightening, or entertaining more effectively than abstract arguments or data. From Cicero’s use of anecdotes to make a philosophical point to Lincoln’s folksy tales that conveyed profound truths, the illustrative power of the well-told story is clear. Furthermore, anecdotes, by humanizing speakers and challenging conventional discourse, can enhance communication and foster connection, especially in professional settings.

Practical Application:

Application 3: In effective meetings, the judicious use of anecdotes can serve several important purposes. A well-chosen anecdote can help make a complex topic or technical detail more readily accessible and memorable. It can lighten the tone of a discussion and create greater engagement. Finally, as demonstrated by numerous anecdotes, a pointed story can help defuse a tense situation or even persuade more powerfully than logic or data. As Churchill remarked, however, an anecdote at its finest depends on the right tagline. One must give the listener the unexpected, which takes preparation.

Suggested Deep Dive

Chapter: Anecdotes: Lincoln, Abraham

The Lincoln anecdotes offer not only a window into the character of one of America’s greatest presidents but also illustrate the importance of storytelling and humor in times of national crisis.

Memorable Quotes

Introduction. 12

Opinions are fallible, but not examples.

Introduction. 15

One man’s chestnut is another man’s marron glacé.

Introduction. 17

Ballads, bons mots, and anecdotes give us better insights into the depths of past centuries than grave and voluminous chronicles.

Introduction. 21

I am searching for the bones of your father, but I cannot distinguish them from those of his slaves.

Anecdotes: Einstein. 26

If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the Mighty One…I am become Death, the shatterer of worlds.

Introduction. 12

Opinions are fallible, but not examples.

Introduction. 15

One man’s chestnut is another man’s marron glacé.

Introduction. 17

Ballads, bons mots, and anecdotes give us better insights into the depths of past centuries than grave and voluminous chronicles.

Introduction. 21

I am searching for the bones of your father, but I cannot distinguish them from those of his slaves.

Anecdotes: Einstein. 26

If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the Mighty One…I am become Death, the shatterer of worlds.

Comparative Analysis

Comparative Analysis: ‘Bartlett’s’ distinguishes itself through its broad scope and focus on biographical, rather than thematic, anecdotes. Unlike purely humorous collections, like ‘The Faber Book of Anecdotes,’ Fadiman and Bernard connect every anecdote to a specific individual, offering glimpses into character and history. While sharing some common sources with other anecdote compilations, like ‘The Oxford Book of Literary Anecdotes,’ ‘Bartlett’s’ wider reach includes figures from politics, science, sports, and entertainment, creating a more diverse and representative tapestry of human experience. Furthermore, the editors’ emphasis on the anecdote as an illustrative moment, a ‘gleaming toy of history,’ sets it apart from more scholarly biographical dictionaries or encyclopedias. This accessible and engaging approach makes ‘Bartlett’s’ a unique contribution to the genre, demonstrating the power of anecdotes to both entertain and illuminate.

Reflection

Reflection: While immensely enjoyable to read, ‘Bartlett’s’ invites reflection on the limitations of anecdotes. Their brevity and illustrative function, while engaging, can oversimplify complex events or individuals. My own emphasis on wit and humor, reflecting contemporary tastes, risks neglecting the quieter, more nuanced stories that might reveal different aspects of human experience. Furthermore, the book’s western bias, though acknowledged, raises questions about cultural representation and the universality of anecdotal appeal. Despite these limitations, the anthology’s fundamental premise — that anecdotes offer ‘minute notices of human nature,’ capturing the sheer diversity of character — remains a powerful one. As we embrace shorter and shorter forms of communication, particularly in the digital age, the ability to tell and appreciate a well-crafted anecdote is more valuable than ever. Perhaps ‘Bartlett’s’ most important legacy will be to encourage a new generation to discover and share these ‘gleaming toys of history,’ preserving them in new forms.

Flashcards

What is the definition of an anecdote?

A usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident.

Who is the possible ‘founding father’ of the anecdote?

Aristoxenus of Tarentum, a Greek philosopher and musical theorist.

Which work contributed to the anecdote’s early association with scandal?

Procopius’s scandalous ‘Secret History’ of Emperor Justinian.

Why are some anecdotes in the book placed in boxes?

To distinguish them from the regular anecdotes, which are arranged alphabetically by person, and to emphasize their unique character.

‘Cut the Gordian knot.’

What did President Clinton say about his eating habits?

That he couldn’t stand the heat in the kitchen, quipping that “that’s the only room in the house I don’t want to leave.”

What is the definition of an anecdote?

A usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident.

Who is the possible ‘founding father’ of the anecdote?

Aristoxenus of Tarentum, a Greek philosopher and musical theorist.

Which work contributed to the anecdote’s early association with scandal?

Procopius’s scandalous ‘Secret History’ of Emperor Justinian.

Why are some anecdotes in the book placed in boxes?

To distinguish them from the regular anecdotes, which are arranged alphabetically by person, and to emphasize their unique character.

‘Cut the Gordian knot.’

What did President Clinton say about his eating habits?

That he couldn’t stand the heat in the kitchen, quipping that “that’s the only room in the house I don’t want to leave.”