The Insanity Defense

Comprising the classic bestsellersGetting Even, Without Feathers, andSide Effects, this definitive collection of comic writings is from a man who needs no Introduction. Reallythis book has no Introduction. The Insanity Defensereveals 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." All Woody Allen fans will cherish this uproarious treasuryand those who don't enjoy The Insanity Defense are just plain crazy. "If you don't care if you break into helpless whoops of laughter on buses, trains, or wherever you happen to be reading it." Chicago Tribune, onWithout Feathers "Brilliant flights of fancy whose comic detail and inspired silliness are at once dramatic and controlled." The New York Times,onSide Effects

Woody Allen’s prolific career as a comic, writer, and filmmaker has now spanned more than six decades. He writes frequently for The New Yorker and is the author of Without Feathers, Getting Even, and Side Effects, among other books.