One way to acquire at least a reputation for wit is to fill up on entertaining, abstruse anecdotes that make you sound brighter than your listeners. And what better time to acquire that conversational edge than when relaxing on holiday or indulging in a long soak in the bath? The only requirement is that the books you skim will give you a good return on invested time.
Begin with a skinny book that promises much – and delivers. Philosopher Simon Critchley’s On Humour (Routledge, £7.99) is dripping with sharp quotes and neat jokes. An offer of a second cup of…
