From a conflicted and unhappy childhood, Parker rose to acclaim, both for her literary output in such venues as The New Yorker and as a founding member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group she later disdained. Following the breakup of that circle, Parker traveled to Hollywood to pursue screen-writing. Her successes there, including two Academy Award nominations, were curtailed as her involvement in left-wing politics led to a place on the infamous Hollywood blacklist.

Parker went through three marriages (two to the same man) and survived several suicide attempts, but grew increasingly dependent on alcohol. Dismissive of her own talents, she deplored her reputation as a “wisecracker”. Nevertheless, her literary output and her sparkling wit have endured.

Sayings by Dorothy Parker

1. I don’t care what is written about me so long as it isn’t true.

2. The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant–and let the air out of the tires.

3. Heterosexuality is not normal, it’s just common.

4. Lips that taste of tears, they say, are the best for kissing.

5. I wish I could drink like a lady. I can take one or two at the most. Three and I’m under the table. Four and I’m under the host.

6. Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone.