The Dead Guy Interviews: Conversations with 45 of the Most Accomplished, Notorious, and Deceased Personalities in History

by Michael Stusser and Michael A. Stusser

The interviewees in this irreverent book may not have a pulse, but, boy, can they talk! Ever wanted to ask Nostradamus for the winning lotto numbers or van Gogh about the whole ear episode? How about... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0143112279
• ISBN13: 9780143112273
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Length: 291 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Terrific

I don't rave about many books, but this is quite simply one of the most ingenious and enjoyable books of recent years. Stusser is a regular contributor to mental_floss magazine, as well as other venues, and that comes through loud and clear here. The book reminded me of Steve Allen's show, "Meeting of Minds," back in the 70s, I think, which was based on the same premise. Different actors would play the various historical figures, and Allen would interview them, and it was very well done, quite entertaining, and even informative. I remember veteran actor Alexander Scourby played a very convincing St. Thomas Aquinas, and even Poncho Villa made an appearance, although I don't recall who played him. :-) Anyway, this book reminded me of Allen's old show, and I was delighted to find it. Many of the names are the same, obviously, but there are differences, too. Among those who appeared on Allen's award-winning show were (in chronological order): Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Cleopatra, Marie Antoinette, Florence Nightingale, Thomas Paine, Francis Bacon, Thomas Jefferson, Voltaire, Charles Darwin, and Poncho Villa. You're bound to find some of your favorites here in Stusser's book (mine were Einstein, Ben Franklin, and Winston Churchill), but the other interviews are fun, too. And by the way, the interview with Sigmund Freud is hilarious what with all the off-color, risque comments and bantering back and forth between Stusser and Freud. The different characters respond in persona to the questions, and even when the interviewer throws in a tough question, they still respond in persona. The whole concept is terrific, and very cleverly and ingeniously executed. It's a great book for your nightstand; that is, if you can manage to fall asleep after chuckling so much at how convincingly the various personas have been recreated in interview format.

I died laughing

I first heard about The Dead Guy Interviews on YouTube, of all places, and immediately knew I was onto something new and amazing. (The author's conversation with Dr. Sigmund Freud is pure genius.) In addition to being one of the funniest books I've read in years (look out David Sedaris and Al Franken), the great thing about The Dead Guy Interviews is that you learn so much about the historical figures featured. It really is like sitting down with Napoleon (who needs a high chair) or Cleopatra (who tries to make a pass) - but in addition to having great dinner conversation, you leave the table feeling like a historical scholar! Stusser's style goes beyond the comic writers doing similar books today - Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Michael Moore, etc. - because he has done his research and then some. Along with Stusser's own investigation, The Dead Guy Interviews was researched by Harvard historian Anne Kaiser (who was director of the Program on Information Policy for 25 years) and fact-checked by the staff of mental_floss magazine. When I was finished with the book, I felt like I personally knew Lincoln, Van Gogh, Beethoven, Frida Kahlo and so many more of the most interesting people in all of history. Pretty amazing folks to have over at a cocktail party, I must say! I can't recommend this book enough. Hope Stusser puts out another version soon. Amazing.

Dead Guy Interviews--History the fun way!!

The idea for this book is one of those concepts you wonder why no one ever thought of before. Michael Stusser not only thought of it - but he pulled the whole thing off splendidly with his gritty and sassy journalistic style! Both hilarious and educational, The Dead Guy Interviews has 45 interviews with famous icons of the past we've heard of - but never had the chance to meet in person; from Alexander the Great to Oscar Wilde, and many in between. Have you ever wanted to sit face to face with Sigmund Freud and have him spill his guts? How about grilling Napoleon or getting to the bottom of Frida Kahlo's genius? Well, Stusser does it for you. By exposing historical rumors and monumental truths straight from the dead guy's mouths, the book had me intrigued and laughing out loud on every page! Highly recommended for anyone who loves history, biographies, or just plain crack-up humor.

The Dead Guy Interviews : A "Must Read!!"

Hilarious and informative! This book was not only a great read for a history buff like myself, but also really useful to me in the classroom as a high school history teacher! First, I loved the compact bios before each interview. They refreshed my memory on each figure while including things I never knew. Impressive research work! The interviews themselves are witty, creative, fast-paced, sometimes irreverant, and full of contemporary references and humor. As an educator who teaches about famous dead guys/gals everyday, this book is a godsend. I've already used three interviews in the classroom with great success! Students are drawn in and hooked by Mr. Stusser's ascerbic humor and engaging interview style. Then, they become fascinated with the person being interviewed and their personalities. They actually have asked to read more of the interviews. Yes, high school students asking to read more history! A quick and entertaining read with each interview leaving you saying 'oh, just one more' and then you're done! I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in historical figures but are repelled by dry biographies and endless historical tomes. Michael Stusser's interviews are fun and refreshing!