Complete and Utter Failure: A Celebration of Also-rans, Runners-up, Never-weres and Total Flops

by Neil Steinberg

Book Overview

So you've got these fond hopes for blissful love,??professional glory, fame, and fortune. But in the??back of your mind there's that nagging fear. The??man of your dreams will laugh in your face.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1857936965
• ISBN13: 9781857936964
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Pavilion Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.

Customer Reviews

GOOD SERVICE

BOOK ARRIVED IN A TIMELY FASHION IN GOOD CONDITION - I'M A HAPPY CUSTOMER WHO WILL DEAL WITH THIS SELLER AGAIN

"Complete and Utter Failure" my behind!

This was a funny, interesting, facinating book. Filled with an amusing mix of facts and story, I have to say it's easily one of my favorite books of all time. If you're going on an extended train, bus or plane ride then this is the book for you. Neil Steinberg is a genius!

One of the funniest and most pointed commentaries I've read.

I made the mistake of lending this book to a friend of mine who moved out of state. If you chance upon a copy, buy it by all means. It's rare to find a book that can cause you to laugh until tears stream down your face, and this is such a book. In a world where winning is usually assumed to be the only worthwhile goal, Steinberg has shown the often poignant and sometimes pathetic side effects that accompany those who "go for the gold." The chapter on spelling bees was worth the price of admission. It's a crime that it's out of print.

This novel is for those who face life's tragedies with humor

If you ever "won" in a spelling bee, this book is a must read. Neil Steinberg captures the curious tragedies of life, however much they might try to masquerade. He finds the blunders obscuring the genius in patents, products and people. I do have to say that Mr Steinberg overuses his own experiences as the prism through which to view the world of stumbling. But then, I think he also needs and relishes criticism, and I don't want to disappoint. Overall, I want to thank Neil Steinberg for the occasional out loud chortle that surprised and disturbed both my family and strangers on airplanes as I read his book.

A great weekend read

Perhaps a more accurate title for this book would be "Perspective." Steinberg's theme of failure is explored from all sides and from top to bottom, the way some people get fascinated by glass paperweights. His writing style is concise but brings a laugh every couple of pages. It's a shame that such an entertaining read should be out of print. I came across a copy in a "clearance" bookstore for $4 and was intrigued by the title.