"I hasten to mention that I have never actually solicited a catalogue. Although it is tempting to conclude that our mailbox hatches them by spontaneous generation, I know they are really the offspring of promiscuous mailing lists, which copulate in secret and for money. One of the pleasures, or horrors, of the direct-mail business is that you never know to whom your name will be pandered. My friend Ross Baughman, a photographer who once accompanied a group of American mercenaries to Nicaragua, inquired before the trip about a mail-order night-vision scope that would allow him to take pictures during midnight commando raids without using a flash. Ever since, he has been deluge with catalogs for pamphlets on how to make rifle silencers out of old car mufflers and napalm out of laundry detergent."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Essayists from the United StatesWomen authors from the United StatesCritics from the United StatesWomen academics from the United StatesJournalists from New York City
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Chapter 14, “The Catalogical Imperative” (p. 114)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Anne_Fadiman
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Anne Fadiman
3 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Anne Fadiman →
Related Quotes
"Over time, my crush on Balder the Beautiful was converted into a crush on Ross, Franklin, Nares, Shackleton, Oates, a…"
"These men may have been incompetent bunglers, but, by God, they were gentlemen."
"is credited with introducing into India the traditionally used by the s as elegant camping groounds. ... Not merely s…"
"In the first century , Roman warriors invaded Persia for power and plunder and were captivated by the s. Following hi…"
"The small and graceful with its solitary pink blossoms was … acquired from with the , often favored for its delicate …"
"The Taj Mahal is an unforgettable visual experience. With every change of light there appear subtle variations in the…"
"Shatter her beauteous breast ye may; The Spirit of England none can slay! Dash the bomb on the dome of Paul's, — Deem…"
"In the dry places, men begin to dream. Where the rivers run sand, there is something in man that begins to flow. West…"
"Karen has many privileges. She must learn not to take, always, the extra inch when the ell is so gladly granted."
"These insolent words, hurled at it, convulsed the livid face that fronted Karen. And suddenly, holding Karen's should…"