Napalm and Silly Putty
Encyclopedia
Napalm and Silly Putty is a 2001 book by comedian George Carlin
.
material. The title derives from one of the observations in the book: Carlin finds it interesting that the same race can invent something as fun and innocent as Silly Putty
and something as deadly as napalm
- the two have many similar properties. The title is also an allusion to the type of thoughts that occupy his time, saying, "on one hand I kinda like it when a lot of people die, but on the other hand, I always wonder how many unused frequent flyer miles they had."
.
As of April 2002, the hardcover edition had sold over 375,000 total copies.
, Carlin's fourth, in February 2002. The audiobook edition was published by Highbridge Audio.
George Carlin
George Denis Patrick Carlin was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, actor and author, who won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums....
.
Background
This book contains much of Carlin's stand-up comedyStand-up comedy
Stand-up comedy is a comedic art form. Usually, a comedian performs in front of a live audience, speaking directly to them. Their performances are sometimes filmed for later release via DVD, the internet, and television...
material. The title derives from one of the observations in the book: Carlin finds it interesting that the same race can invent something as fun and innocent as Silly Putty
Silly Putty
Silly Putty , is the Crayola-owned trademark name for a class of silicone polymers. It is marketed today as a toy for children, but was originally created by accident during research into potential rubber substitutes for use by the United States in World War II...
and something as deadly as napalm
Napalm
Napalm is a thickening/gelling agent generally mixed with gasoline or a similar fuel for use in an incendiary device, primarily as an anti-personnel weapon...
- the two have many similar properties. The title is also an allusion to the type of thoughts that occupy his time, saying, "on one hand I kinda like it when a lot of people die, but on the other hand, I always wonder how many unused frequent flyer miles they had."
Reception
The hardcover edition of Napalm and Silly Putty was on the New York Times Bestseller List for 20 straight weeks. The following year, the paperback edition was published. Both editions were published by HyperionHyperion (publisher)
Hyperion Books is a general-interest book publishing part of the Disney-ABC Television Group, a division of The Walt Disney Company, established in 1991. Hyperion publishes general-interest fiction and non-fiction books for adults under the following imprints: ABC Daytime Press, ESPN Books,...
.
As of April 2002, the hardcover edition had sold over 375,000 total copies.
Other versions
The audiobook was released abridged in two parts: Napalm and Silly Putty in May 2001 and More Napalm and Silly Putty in 2002. The audiobook received a Grammy awardGrammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
, Carlin's fourth, in February 2002. The audiobook edition was published by Highbridge Audio.