Art Buchwald

Easton Press Art Buchwald books

I'll Always Have Paris - signed first edition - 1996
We'll Laugh Again - signed first edition - 2002

Columnist Art Buchwald

Art Buchwald, a beloved humorist and columnist, brought wit and laughter to readers across the United States for decades. Born on October 20, 1925, in Mount Vernon, New York, Arthur "Art" Buchwald's journey into the world of journalism and humor began with an unconventional start. Orphaned at a young age, Buchwald grew up in foster care and joined the Marine Corps during World War II. His time in the service set the stage for his distinctive brand of humor, marked by a keen observational wit and a resilient, optimistic spirit. After the war, he attended the University of Southern California on the G.I. Bill, where he began honing his comedic talents.

Buchwald's breakthrough came in the 1940s and 1950s when he moved to Paris and started contributing columns to various publications. His humorous take on American expatriate life in Paris gained him widespread recognition and paved the way for his return to the United States, where he continued to make a name for himself in the world of journalism. In 1948, he began a column for the New York Herald Tribune, which quickly gained popularity for its lighthearted yet insightful commentary on politics and everyday life. Buchwald's writing style endeared him to a broad audience, and he eventually became one of the most widely read and syndicated columnists in the country. Over the years, Buchwald's columns earned him numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1982. He tackled serious issues with a humorous touch, making him a unique and influential voice in American journalism.

Art Buchwald had a memorable and humorous encounter with President Richard Nixon that became a notable chapter in his career. The story revolves around Buchwald's legal battle with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over a substantial tax bill. In 1973, Buchwald wrote a column, titled Our Friend the Foe, in which he humorously discussed the situation of owing taxes and not being able to pay them. President Nixon, known for his keen interest in public relations, saw an opportunity to turn the situation into a positive one. He decided to invite Art Buchwald to the White House for a meeting. During their meeting, Nixon proposed that Buchwald settle his tax debt by donating his papers to the National Archives. In return, the President assured him that a grateful nation would foot the bill for his tax liability. Buchwald, recognizing the comedic potential of the situation, agreed to the proposal. However, he also used the opportunity to further lampoon the complexities of the tax system and the absurdity of his predicament. The entire episode became a symbol of the close relationship between humor and politics, with Buchwald skillfully using satire to shed light on the intricacies of taxation.

This humorous exchange between Art Buchwald and President Nixon showcased the power of wit and satire in addressing serious issues, even those related to taxation and government bureaucracy. The story became a part of Buchwald's legacy, highlighting his ability to find humor in the most unexpected places and use it to engage with political figures on a level that transcended traditional journalism.

Art Buchwald's legacy extends beyond his written work. His wit and charm also made him a sought-after guest on television talk shows, and he even ventured into the realm of filmmaking. His autobiography, Leaving Home: A Memoir, offers a poignant look at his life, blending humor with the challenges he faced.Art Buchwald's career left an indelible mark on the landscape of American humor and journalism. His ability to find laughter in the midst of life's complexities endeared him to generations of readers, making him a timeless figure in the world of wit and satire. Art Buchwald passed away on January 17, 2007, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a body of work that continues to be cherished by those who appreciate the power of humor in navigating the human experience.

I'll Always Have Paris - A Memoir

In 1948, an American innocent named Art Buchwald set sail for Paris, France, determined to crash Hemingway's moveable feast and make himself famous. What's more, he did it.

Now he remembers those golden years when he wrote for the Paris Herald Tribune, fell in love, spoofed Hemingway, dined with gangsters, and crashed costume balls in Venice. Everything that has made Buchwald one of the world's best loved writers is in this funny, enchanting, poignant book.

We'll Laugh Again

Since 1962, Art Buchwald has been by our side through the great tragicomedy of American life cracking jokes, pestering politicians, and sharing his wisdom.

A pain in the neck to every president from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush, Buchwald knows irony when he sees it, and he sees it almost everywhere in Bush, Clinton, drug companies, tax cuts, class relations, and Viagra. With this new collection of columns, he reminds us that in this crazy world, at least we can look forward to the next good laugh.