Words From the Wise: Centuries of Proverbs to Live By (Hallmark Crown Editions)

Words From the Wise is a treasury of hundreds of proverbs from all ages and cultures. It includes some of the most delightful folk sayings ever recorded, plus observations and witticisms by famous men and women. This is a book that entertains as it teaches the lessons of life.

Proverbs can be valuable guides for daily living because they contain the greatest wisdom of centuries. "Don't marry for money," goes one Scottish proverb. "You can borrow it cheaper." Another wryly reminds us that idleness is "a rust that attaches itself yo the most brilliant of metals." Some proverbs you have heard, such as Pope's observation that "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." Others you will be delighted to discover. "The girl who can't dance says the band can't play" is an old Yiddish proverb. And an anonymous thinker poses the question, "Is it progress if a cannibal uses knife and fork?"

The language is fresh, the images are vivid - and each proverb contains a bit of truth about life. Canny, merry, serious, and sharp, Words From the Wise is a mine of wit and wisdom that offers many hours of enjoyable reading.

Fritz Kredel, who created the colored woodcuts for Words From the Wise, is a world-celebrated book illustrator with a special gift for capturing the picturesque spirit of a text. Many of his works are now collectors' items. He lives in New York.