In the format and spirit of The Portable Curmudgeon, 1001 of the pithiest-and wittiest-quotations by Nobel Prize laureates, a collection that is equal parts essential reference work, compulsive read and witty party fodder.

Fritjof Nansen (Nobel Peace Price, 1922) said it first: "The difficult is what takes a little time; the impossible is what takes a little longer." That's only one of a rich assortment of quotations by Nobel Prize winners that David Pratt has culled for this unique compendium. Words of wisdom from literature, peace and economics winners feature prominently, but Pratt has made sure that laureates from physics, chemistry and medicine are also well represented.

From Achievement to Emotions, Science and Technology to Time, Life and Death, the quotations touch on a wide range of subjects. Appendices, including a history of the Nobel, mini biographies of the laureates quoted and a comprehensive list of laureates, enhance the volume's utility as a research tool, and a keyword index makes finding that perfect quote or witticism a simple task.

David Pratt, professor emeritus of education at Queen's University, has been collecting quotations for more than fifty years. He is the author of two major texts on curriculum plus numerous short stories and poems published in international literary journals and anthologies. Born in Britain, he now lives in Kingston, Ontario.

David Pratt's profile page

"Every entry is a gem and none you would have ever thought up on your own...This is a book of smart, pretty-sounding words that reveals the evolution of the sound byte."

CD Syndicated

"Since 1901 the Nobel Prize has been the hallmark of genius, but Nobel laureates tend to be more than merely brilliant -- their idealism, courage and concern for humanity have also made them sources of inspiration and wisdom...it also includes a history of the Nobel Prize, a list of all past laureates and their biographies."

Delta Optimist