How to Talk Dirty and Influence People: An Autobiography

Lenny Bruce is remembered by some as a vulgar comedian unfit for a civilized audience, but to most people–the ones worth listening to–he was a crusader for truth and a staunch defender of the First Amendment.

And his autobiography is as uncompromising as his stand-up. He speaks the truth with blistering wit and unflinchingly brutal honesty. He tolerates no hypocrisy–especially from himself–and weaves linguistic Gordian knots around the tired, manipulative double standards of society, the church, law enforcement, and more.

Whether you find him funny or not, you cannot deny his insight. Plenty of the bits in How to Talk Dirty and Influence People are perfectly relevant today; just look at his dissection of Kennedy and Nixon supporters, and you’ll see the polarizing presence of Donald Trump plain as day.

In Bruce’s hands, comedy was weaponized once more and aimed straight at those who deserved it most. Although reading his words loses his trademark delivery and a hefty dose of style, it’s still an effective way to introduce a landmark talent to a new generation of readers. Please do, so they can be thankful, too.