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Steve Martin

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Pure Drivel Hardcover – January 1, 1998

by Steve Martin (Author)

4.3 202 ratings

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Steve Martins talent has always defied definition: a seasoned actor, a razor-sharp screenwriter, an acclaimed playwright, and, of course, the ingenious comedian who turned King Tut into a national craze. In this widely praised collection of humourous riffs, Martin shows he is also a master of the written word. From a wildly imaginative meditation on who Lolita would be at age fifty to a send-up of the warning labels on medicine bottles, these pieces, many of which first appeared in The New Yorker, hilariously and intelligently skewer the topic at hand. Pure Drivel will have readers crying with laughterand marveling that in addition to all of his many talents, Steve Martin is also a superb writer. Like the fuzzy little puff of marabou on the instep of a coquettes satin bedroom slipper... Martins book of diminutive, often hilarious essays [is]... effortless and silly even as its subtly erudite.

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From Publishers Weekly

These short humor pieces, many of which first appeared in the New Yorker, represent a mixed bag. While actor/ comedian/writer Martin consistently comes up with clever lines, his conceits soar only about as often as they peter out. His opening offer, "A Public Apology," takes the politician's mea culpa to deadpan, ridiculous heights: "I had sex with a hundred-and-two-year old male turtle. It would be hard to argue that it was consensual." But the next piece, "Writing is Easy!" contains such clunkers as "Naked Belligerent Panties" as a recommended topic for up-and-coming writers. Martin's zones of inquiry include science, language, show biz and, of course, mating. Among the stand-outs: "Dear Amanda" recounts the belles lettres of mannerly stalker; "Taping My Friends" trips into a paranoid universe; "I Love Loosely" brings Lucy & Ricky to the "oral sex isn't sex debate;" and "Artist Lost to Zoloft" laments how pharmaceuticals affect the avant-garde. But the title piece (okay, it's just called "Drivel"), which concerns a duo linked by hyper-conscious irony, shows Martin straining for laughs.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hyperion; First Edition (January 1, 1998)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 104 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0786879157
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0786879151
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 0.01 ounces

Customer Reviews:
4.3 202 ratings

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Steve Martin

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Steve Martin is one of today's most talented performers. His huge successes as a film actor include such credits as ROXANNE, FATHER OF THE BRIDE, PARENTHOOD and THE SPANISH PRISONER. He has won Emmys for his television writing and two Grammys for comedy albums. In addition to the bestselling PURE DRIVEL, he has written several plays, including Picasso at the Lapin Agile and a highly acclaimed novel, SHOPGIRL. His work appears in The New Yorker and The New York Times.

Author photo (c) Sandee Oliver

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Friend Zone

Pure Delight

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024

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I was absolutely tickled by Steve Martin's "Pure Drivel" as an audiobook! The humor is wonderfully absurd and showcases Steve Martin's incredible talent as a writer. Hearing Martin himself narrate the book adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. This book is a collection of his writings from, I believe the New Yorker, and it came out in the late 90s—despite the references to pagers, modems, and the like, the humor is timeless. “Dear Amanda” was hilarious, and so was “Lolita at Fifty,” and “Bad Dog.” The story “Hissy Fit” is a drolly humorous neo-noir about a journalist from New York who gets a dreaded assignment to fly to L.A. to interview an egotistical movie producer—pure delight! I strongly suggest giving it a listen. Indeed, he's recognized as one of the comedy greats, but it's important to note that Martin's humor isn't just funny; it's smart funny, which is a rarity and a true gem.

One person found this helpful

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Jane Walker

A Quip Above

Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2006

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I LOVE Steve. I was a member of his Official Fan Club back in the 70s when I was probably too young to be listening to his albums (thanks, Mom!). I have already made a point of sharing those classic albums--now CDs--with my kids and find that we can crack each other up with "I'm so mad at my Mother...". But I digress. Note: If you're not clear on what digress means, don't buy this book.

When my 9th grader entered high school this year, he decided to join the speech and debate team and compete in the humorous interpretation events. We searched high and low for almost a month to find pieces that could be done at the high school level (not profane) and were not too topical to be outdated. This book fulfilled the need and then some. He has done two separate pieces from Pure Drivel (Side Effects and How I Joined MENSA) to rave reviews.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone longing for educated humor from the master.

5 people found this helpful

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mtodd

Not SNL, but so funny! Recommended reading NOT listening.

Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2012

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If you are expecting something along the lines of SNL or perhaps even the Jerk, this book is not for you. If I were to compare it to one of his movies, it's more like LA Story. It's very funny, but if you're not paying attention you miss half the jokes.

I will also say, this book should NOT be listened to on CD. I read and loved the book. Then a few years later I wanted something to listen to so I picked this up at the library. A few of the chapters, like the one on punctuation, are much less funny read aloud.

One person found this helpful

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JMack

Not all drivel

Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2003

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In his book Pure Drivel, Steve Martin has some very humorous moments. While some parts of the book fall a little flat because they lack a little direction, I enjoyed most of the book.
Some of the chapters which are about writing in itself are humorous to anybody who can see how badly some people write. These chapters include "Writing is Easy!", "Times Roman Announces Shortage of Periods", and a favorite of mine " A Word from the Words." "Side Effects" and "The Hundred Greatest Books I've Read" are also among my favorites. While the stories are short in length, most of them have some sense of closure. Other stories, such as "The Paparazzi of Plato" and "Mars Probe Finds Kittens" show Martin trying too hard to demonstrate intelligent humor. As a result, the joke is more cute than laugh out loud funny.
As a whole, I did enjoy this book. Amazon.com lists Jon Stewart's Naked Pictures ... as a book also enjoyed by readers of this book. However, I think this book is significantly better than Stewart's book.

4 people found this helpful

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Icetower

One of the best from Steve Martin.

Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2017

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One of the funniest books I've ever read. Steve Martin at his best. The copy I got had some printing errors (miscut-pages) but as I bought it as a gift for someone who works in printing, it was an ironic bonus. I had bought two copies previously as I had loaned one out and wanted to read it again.

4 people found this helpful

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Laura Lewarski

Steve Martin drivel...

Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2010

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I'd been looking for this book for some time and it was suggested to me to try Amazon. Eurieka ! I love the essay/article for the New Yorker ( which this is a compilation of) called Side Effects. Super funny. Learned it was in this book. It arrived in perfect condition and has other amusing bits in it as well !! Thanks so much ! Lori L.

One person found this helpful

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Wayne A. Smith

Accurate Title

Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2005

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Here's the quick and dirty on Steve Martin's Pure Drivel:

About 90% of the pieces are clever;

About 60% of the pieces are witty;

About 40% of the pieces are funny (funny enough to cause an audible chortle, guffaw or even a wry smile).

Steve Martin is a very crisp and smart writer. His mastery of the written word and imagination are on full display here and show why he often writes successful movie scripts.

Pure Drivel is a thin collection of short essays Martin wrote for The New Yorker (whose readership I've always thought feels it must support the clever even if it is not concurrently the witty). The topics are as wide ranging as you could imagine: a report on the shortage of an important article of punctuation; a Lucy and Desi script, Lolita (yes, that Lolita) at age fifty (this is a gem), a future report on the devastation caused by the Y3K bug, and assorted other topics not joined by any relation other than birth from the wellspring of Martin's mind.

I read this in three sittings, which I think was a mistake. Sometimes for me, humor collections fall off if taken in too large a bite. I usually laugh out loud at Dave Barry's weekly columns but found his essay collections repetitive. Same for Letterman Top Ten Lists. I would advise the reader to place this book at a convenient location in the bathroom when the five or ten minute literary piece is required for maximum enjoyment.

9 people found this helpful

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Kevin K.

Classic Steve Martin

Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2021

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Very funny, classic Steve Martin. Especially liked the Side effects portion, very witty.

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etwewet

Pure Drivel

Reviewed in Canada on December 27, 2022

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The title speaks for itself

One person found this helpful

Cliente Amazon

un libro veloce e divertente

Reviewed in Italy on March 15, 2018

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Bel libro leggero da leggere. E' un grazioso passatempo che si legge in un sol giorno oppure, visto che sono diversi piccoli capitoli, se ne può leggere uno ogni tanto e farsi un paio di risate. L'humor a volte è un pò particolare ma per chi conosce quest'attore ha senso. (non consciglio se si è alle prime armi con l'inglese)

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ユーモアとアイロニーとスティーヴ・マーティン

Reviewed in Japan on May 23, 2003

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　日本での知名度は微妙な感じがするスティーヴ・マーティンだが、本国アメリカではあの"Saturday Night Live"のプロットを書いたり、映画や舞台の脚本を書いたり、本業の俳優としても毎回、面白い演技を見せてくれる。そんな彼の"The New Yorker"でのエッセイを集めたのが、この"Pure Drivel"。
　Drivelとは「たわごと、ざれごと」という意味。何気なく読んでればユーモア満載の「たわごと」のようだが、何某かの真実が含まれているような気もしてくる。それが、スティーヴ・マーティンの狙いだとすると、彼の毒気（アイロニー）にあたってしまったような気分になる。
　比較的、簡単な英語で書かれてはいるが、何せ「笑い」と「皮肉」がメインの本書。ダブル・ミーニングを読み解くのはなかなか難しいかもしれない。

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