The most detailed book on Isma'ilis - the best unbiased, factual and complete book on Isma'ilis out there.

Farhad Daftary is a noted international scholor, who has reseached many publications with such noted institutions as Oxford and Cambridge, this Book is a great testment to scholorship, and as such is objective throughout, mixing Glory with Disaster and even controversy, this is recommended for those who want a true picture of ismailis and their beliefs, instead of some of the bias and emtional conjecture that is also available.

This is a badly written book -- horribly written book.

I have a keen interest in the Friar's Club and their infamous Roasts, otherwise I don't think I would have lasted five pages.

Mr Dougherty's style is excusable only if he was undergoing electric shock treatments DURING his writing sessions.

Apparently, the author is not much of a researcher either. It appears that a brief glance through a few of the club's souvenier programs qualifies one to write its history. But what the book lacks in fact and historical detail, it also lacks in humor.

If you make the mistake of buying this book, my first recommendation is to SKIP the awkwardly written history of the Friar's. For readers, it is nothing short of cruel and unsual punishment.

Jump directly to the Roasts (skipping ALL those designated as "Dinners," which are dull, dull, dull) and you will be amazed -- nay, shocked! -- at the absence of really good jokes. There may be ten in the entire book.

Unless you are just "bowled over" by the fact that celebrities actually "talk dirty," as Mr Dougherty describes it, or if you are fascinated with the thought of getting a glimpse of a celebrity from afar, as the syncophantic Mr Dougherty apparently is, you will find little else of value here.

As a lifelong fan of the Friar's Club it is regretable that because of Mr Dougherty's failed attempt, we will be waiting for several years before a competent writer decides to tackle the subject.

Have I made it clear? Barry Dougherty is a bad writer! Do yourself a favor, don't buy this book! That may be the best advice you'll get today, and it is a privilege to offer it to you.

What in the world did Bill Hayes read?? He acts as if he bought a Friars version of the Satanic Verses. After reading Dougherty's modest book, I must say I found Hayes' "review" oddly vindictive, not to mention off-base. His comments read more like the rantings of one with an ax to grind against the author, rather than anything remotely resembling a coherent review of an amusing book. Note to Mister Hayes.. Lighten up, fella.

This ain't Shakespeare, nor does it pretend to be The Final Word on the history of club. Why in the world does he think he "will be waiting several years" before someone else tackles the subject?? (Not that there seems to be a massive clamoring for more on the subject ... let's face it, this isn't a history of Civilization as we know it .. it's The Friars!)

The book, at last glance, is called The New York Friars Club Book of Dinners and Roasts, NOT "Barry Dougherty Tries To be Funny"..and it does indeed provide a compelling history of this unique NY club. Hayes' perception of Dougherty not having done his homework falls flat: the book I read is rife with tidbits, one-on-one interviews with quite a few Friars, and backroom anecdotes that seemed to entail more than a cursory glance at old "souvenir programs".

Folks, I don't know what all the hoo-hah is ... it's a good book: I got some laughs, learned something about this nutty institution, and I'll probably end up giving the book to someone else to read ... as for Mister Hayes .. me thinkst thou dost protest too much.

The only reason why I almost didn't give this five stars is that this wonderful book actually isn't just a collection of the funniest roast moments from the New York Friars Club. It is partially a HISTORY of various roasts through the years. Well-written and well-organized, from the standpoint of LOTS of zingers the fun truly begins about 75 pages into the book. Before that there are wonderful accounts of the early roasts but not a lot of jokes.

Not all of these laugh-out-loud (I mean REALLY laugh out loud) lines in this book are x-rated, but quite a few of them are. Dougherty also offers memories from some of the celebrity participants, which put some of the ribbing and behind the scenes stories (and egos) in focus. It's a GREAT approach...and it does work.

But don't expect a mere collection of jokes listed by subject -- the emphasis here is on a given roast and the participants. In fact, in the index you will find names of performers, not subjects. Roast victims included such names as Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker, Milton Berle, Frank Sinatra, Phillis Diller, John Travolta, Stephen Seagal, Drew Carey and many many more.

The three roasters who made me roar the most were comedians Milton Berle (he will be missed -- something about Berle was a running joke at the club for years), Red Buttons and Buddy Hacket.

I highlighted the jokes I liked as I read them so when I want a big (and guilty r-or-x-rated) laugh I can go back and re-read them. There were LOTS of markings in this book, and almost every line I marked is a winner. But be forewarned: this is not just a book of jokes and one-liners, but a fascinating history as well as a laugh-packed volume.