Quick Take

Called "an everyman's guide to Washington" (The New York Times), P. J. O'Rourke's savagely funny and national best-seller Parliament of Whores has become a classic in understanding the workings of the American political system. Originally written at the end of the Reagan era, this new edition includes an extensive foreword by the renowned political writer Andrew Ferguson -- showing us that although the names and the players have changed, the game is still the same. Parliament of Whores is an exuberant, broken-field run through the ethical foibles, pork-barrel flimflam, and bureaucratic bullrorfle inside the Beltway that leaves no sacred cow unskewered and no politically correct sensitivities unscorched.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts to Explain the Entire U.S. Government

Introduction

"Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts to Explain the Entire U.S. Government" by P.J. O'Rourke is a satirical and humorous take on the American political system. Originally published in 1991, this book has become a classic, offering readers an exuberant journey through the ethical foibles, pork-barrel flimflam, and bureaucratic bullrorfle inside the Beltway. With an extensive foreword by Andrew Ferguson, this new edition provides readers with a fresh perspective on the workings of the U.S. government, even though the names and players have changed over time.

About P.J. O'Rourke

P.J. O'Rourke, the author of "Parliament of Whores," is an American political satirist, journalist, writer, and author. He has been described as a libertarian and is known for his witty and cutting style. O'Rourke has written numerous books and is a regular correspondent for various publications, including The Atlantic Monthly, The American Spectator, and The Weekly Standard. He is also a panelist on National Public Radio's game show "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!".

Analysis of Views

Humorous and Accessible: Readers praise O'Rourke's ability to make complex political issues accessible and entertaining. His writing style is described as witty, engaging, and hysterical, making it easy to understand the intricacies of the U.S. government.
Insightful Critique: O'Rourke's book offers a critical analysis of the American political system, highlighting its flaws and shortcomings. Readers appreciate his ability to skewer politicians and government officials without resorting to partisan rhetoric.
Relevant Even Today: Despite being published nearly three decades ago, "Parliament of Whores" remains relevant today. O'Rourke's observations on government spending, special interest groups, and political corruption are still applicable to current events and provide readers with a fresh perspective on American politics.
Well-Researched: O'Rourke's writing is not just humorous but also grounded in research and facts. Readers appreciate his ability to provide cold, hard facts to back up his claims, making his critiques more credible and impactful.
Libertarian Perspective: O'Rourke's libertarian views shine through in his writing, offering readers a unique perspective on politics that differs from traditional left-right ideological divisions. Some readers appreciate his critique of government intervention in various aspects of society, while others find his views controversial or disagree with his conclusions.

Reasons for Recommendation

Humor and Entertainment: Readers recommend "Parliament of Whores" for its entertainment value. O'Rourke's humor and wit make the book enjoyable to read, even for those who may not be familiar with the intricacies of American politics.
Insightful Critique: The book offers a critical analysis of the American political system that goes beyond partisan rhetoric. Readers appreciate O'Rourke's ability to shed light on the flaws and shortcomings of government without resorting to sensationalism or hyperbole.
Relevant Topics: The book covers relevant topics such as government spending, special interest groups, and political corruption that resonate with readers today. O'Rourke's insights provide valuable context for understanding current events and offer a fresh perspective on American politics.
Well-Researched Content: O'Rourke's writing is grounded in research and facts, making his critiques more credible and impactful. Readers appreciate the depth of knowledge he brings to the subject matter and the way he presents complex issues in an accessible manner.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Libertarian Perspective: Some readers may find O'Rourke's libertarian views controversial or disagree with his conclusions. His critique of government intervention in various aspects of society may not resonate with readers who have different political beliefs or ideologies.
Limited Scope: While "Parliament of Whores" offers a critical analysis of the American political system, it may not cover every aspect of government or provide comprehensive solutions to the problems it identifies. Some readers may find the scope of the book limited or seek more in-depth analysis on specific topics.

Conclusion

"Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts to Explain the Entire U.S. Government" by P.J. O'Rourke is a humorous and insightful exploration of the American political system that offers readers a fresh perspective on government corruption, spending, and special interest groups. With its witty writing style and well-researched content, the book provides valuable insights into the workings of the U.S. government while entertaining readers with its humor and satire. While some readers may disagree with O'Rourke's libertarian perspective or find the scope of the book limited, overall, "Parliament of Whores" is recommended for those interested in understanding American politics from a unique angle and seeking a humorous take on complex issues.