‘I am greatly relieved that the universe is finally explainable. I was beginning to think it was me’. Thus begins ‘Strung Out’, Woody Allen’s hilarious application of the laws of the universe to daily life. Mere Anarchy, Woody Allen’s first new collection in over 25 years, features eighteen witty, wild and intelligent comic pieces – eight of which have never been in print before. Surreal, absurd, rich in verbal play, bitingly satirical and just plan daft in the mode we have grown to love from his finest films, this flight-of-fancy collection includes tales of a body double who, mistaken for the film’s star, is kidnapped by outlaws; a pretentious novelist forced to work on the novelisation of a Three Stooges film; a nanny secretly writing an expose of her Manhattan employers; crooks selling bespoke prayers on eBay; and how to react when you’re asked to finance a Broadway play about the invention and manufacture of the adjustable showerhead.

«Comprising the classic bestsellers «Getting Even», «Without Feathers», and «Side Effects», this definitive collection of comic writings is from a man who needs no Introduction. Really – this book has no Introduction. «The Insanity Defense» reveals 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 treasury – and those who don’t enjoy The Insanity Defense are just plain crazy.»

A humor classic by one of the funniest writers today, Side Effects is a treat for all those who know his work and those just discovering how gifted he is. Included here are such classics as Remembering Needleman, The Kugelmass Episode, a new sory called Confessions Of A Buglar, and more.

Here they are — some of the funniest tales and ruminations ever put into print, by one of the great comic minds of our time. From THE WHORE OF MENSA, to GOD (A Play), to NO KADDISH FOR WEINSTEIN, old and new Woody Allen fans will laugh themselves hysterical over these sparkling gems.