The Collected Dorothy Parker

by Dorothy Parker
The Collected Dorothy Parker cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Essays / Essay Collections
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 10533
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • Published: 1972-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Collected Dorothy Parker brings together the best of Dorothy Parker's writing, showcasing her unparalleled wit and keen observations of society. Known for her sharp tongue and even sharper pen, Parker's essays, poems, and short stories offer a timeless commentary on life, love, and the human condition. /n/n This collection is a must-read for fans of classic literature and those who appreciate the art of the well-crafted sentence. Parker's unique voice and perspective continue to resonate with readers today, making this a valuable addition to any bookshelf.

Reviews
The Storygraph · latelykate · 2026-01-25
mixed 2.50

The reviewer expected to love this collection but found Parker's portrayal of women to be unlikable.

The reviewer had high expectations for this collection but was disappointed by the portrayal of women in Parker's stories. They felt that the female characters were written in a way that made them unlikable, which detracted from the overall enjoyment of the book. Despite this, the reviewer acknowledged Parker's wit and insight, but the negative portrayal of women left a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    I expected to love this but I got the feeling from the stories that Dorothy Parker doesn't like women very much.

    Her female characters were written so unlikable.

    The wit and insight are still present, but the portrayal of women is a significant drawback.

Vocal Media · Annie · 2026-01-25
good 4.00

The anthology is very good, but the poetry often feels cliché. The short stories are particularly strong.

The reviewer found the anthology to be very good overall, especially the short stories. They noted that the poetry can feel cliché at times, but the collection still stands out. The reviewer appreciated the wit and insight of Parker's writing, making it a worthwhile read despite some shortcomings in the poetry.

Quick quotes

    If we ignore the often cliché poetry, this anthology is actually very good.

    The short stories are particularly strong.

    Parker's writing captures the spirit of the Jazz Age brilliantly.

It's a Lawyer's Life · Rehna · 2020-08-13
great 4.50

Parker's short stories are terrific, with 'Big Blonde' and 'A Telephone Call' being standouts.

The reviewer highly recommends Parker's short stories, highlighting 'Big Blonde' and 'A Telephone Call' as particularly memorable. They appreciate the wit and emotional depth in Parker's writing, making the collection a delightful read. The reviewer found the stories to be engaging and well-crafted, capturing the essence of the Jazz Age.

Quick quotes

    Parker's short stories are terrific.

    Big Blonde is her best known one.

    Anyone who has been in love will relate to A Telephone Call.

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