Who is P.J. O’Rourke?

The late P.J. O’Rourke was among the leading American satirists of the 20th and 21st centuries. With a biting wit and a keen eye for the absurdities of American politics and culture, O’Rourke became a household name through his prolific writing.

About P.J. O’Rourke

As one of the leading American satirists, P.J. O’Rourke was known for his sharp wit and biting humor. O’Rourke was born on November 14, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio. He received an undergraduate degree from Miami University in 1969 and completed a Master of Arts in English at Johns Hopkins University. O’Rourke started his career as a writer for various publications, including National Lampoon and Rolling Stone. During his time at Rolling Stone, he was known as the “foreign affairs desk chief” and reported from all over the world.

O’Rourke was a prominent figure in redefining the irreverent and unconventional style of “gonzo” journalism. His early work experience included working for Harry, a liberal Baltimore newspaper.

In the 1960s, he was also involved with the hippie culture of the time, but his views shifted more towards conservatism. As an author, O’Rourke developed his unique style of conservative and libertarian commentary. However, he did endorse Hillary Clinton in 2016 over Donald Trump and stated Clinton was “wrong about absolutely everything” but “wrong within normal parameters.”

O’Rourke held the H. L. Mencken Research Fellow position at the libertarian Cato Institute and contributed to various publications, including The Atlantic Monthly, The American Spectator, Playboy, Vanity Fair, and The Weekly Standard. He was also a frequent panelist on National Public Radio’s game show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! From 2011 to 2016, he was a columnist for The Daily Beast.

Best P.J. O’Rourke’s books

O’Rourke authored many books throughout his career, each providing commentary on politics, culture, and society. Here are some of his best works:

Holidays in Hell

O’Rourke recounts travels to various troubled regions, from war-torn Beirut to communist Poland. Along the way, he offers hilarious and sometimes frightening observations about the people and places he encounters.

Holidays in Hell takes the reader on an adventure with the author, storming student protesters’ barricades with riot police in South Korea, interviewing communist insurrectionists in the Philippines, and even going undercover in the Gaza Strip. He also examines the darker side of American society with his signature irreverent wit.

Give War a Chance

Give War a Chance offers a controversial and contentious take on the idea of war, arguing that it can sometimes be a necessary and even positive force in the world. He challenges conventional thinking about war and its role in human affairs.

All the Trouble in the World

In this book, O’Rourke tackles some of the most significant issues facing the world today, including the environment, poverty, and war. He encourages readers to think critically about the world around them through humor and analysis.

Eat the Rich: A Treatise on Economics

In this book, O’Rourke turns his attention to economics, exploring how government policies and economic systems affect our lives. With his usual humor and insight, he takes on everything from socialism to capitalism, providing a fascinating and entertaining look at the world of finance.

Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts to Explain the Entire U.S. Government

In this book, O’Rourke takes a humorous and insightful look at the inner workings of the U.S. government. With his trademark satirical eye, he skewers politicians of all stripes and offers an entertaining critique of the American political system.

The CEO of the Sofa

In this book, O’Rourke writes about the joys and perils of modern life, from technology to pop culture. He skewers everything from the Internet to Martha Stewart in his signature style.

Republican Party Reptile

A collection of O’Rourke’s early writings published in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, showcases his ability to be funny and insightful. He covers everything from the Cold War to the rise of Ronald Reagan. It also features pieces like How to Drive Fast on Drugs While Getting Your Wing-Wang Squeezed and Not Spill Your Drink.

Peace Kills: America’s Fun New Imperialism

O’Rourke has famously said, “Wherever there’s injustice, oppression, and suffering, America will show up six months later and bomb the country next to where it’s happening.” This quote exemplifies his unapologetic and often controversial perspective on war and politics. The book covers airport security and the Iraq War and demonstrates his acerbic writing style. Through his brand of gonzo journalism, he brings a fresh perspective to these often contentious issues.

On the Wealth of Nations: Books That Changed the World

The Wealth of Nations, first published in 1776, is a seminal work in economics, but at over 900 pages, it can be daunting. Fortunately, P.J. O’Rourke has provided an engaging, witty, and insightful analysis of Smith’s work, making it more accessible to readers. He is regarded as one of the few people capable of bringing the work of Adam Smith to life.

Modern Manners: An Etiquette Book for Rude People

P.J. O’Rourke’s book Modern Manners examines living in a world that seemingly lacks rules. In this work, he highlights the significance of good manners in today’s society, where everyone aims to stand out as unique. While good manners were a way to blend in in the past, in today’s world, manners can make us distinguish ourselves and stand out.

Driving Like Crazy

Driving Like Crazy: Thirty Years of Vehicular Hell-Bending Celebrating America the Way It’s Supposed to Be – With an Oil Well in Each Backyard, a Cadillac Escalade in Every Carport, and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Mowing Our Lawn pays tribute to the golden age of car travel in America. It takes readers on a bumpy ride through some of the world’s most scenic roads.

As a former writer for Car and Driver, O’Rourke is well-equipped to share his tales of trouble-laden cross-country treks. Additionally, O’Rouke wrote for the National Lampoon magazine and helped co-write the National Lampoon’s 1964 High School Yearbook Parody with Douglas Kenney.

The New York Times bestseller is a must-read for anyone who loves car travel or a good laugh.

The Baby Boom

Recognized for his conservative satire, O’Rourke once belonged to the counterculture of the 1960s. Using his unique humor, O’Rourke reflects on the impact of his generation in a comedic but cautionary way, offering a funny diversion for those who are part of the Boomer generation and a warning for future generations. NPR has described this work which was published by Grove/Atlantic, Inc., as a humorous yet critical approach to the legacy of his generation.

How the Hell Did This Happen?: The Election of 2016

P.J. O’Rourke, a renowned humorist, shares his perspective on the unprecedented 2016. U.S. presidential election and its aftermath. The die-hard Republican political satirist found the election cycle so ridiculous that he endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton over the Republican Donald Trump. He said: “America is experiencing the most severe outbreak of mass psychosis since the Salem witch trials of 1692. So why not put Hillary on the dunking stool?”

In How the Hell Did This Happen? O’Rourke looks at the entire cast of presidential candidates, the forgettable and the unforgettable.

Other noteworthy books by this author include Age and Guile Beat Youth, Innocence, and a Bad Haircut, Don’t Vote! – It Just Encourages the Bastards, Thrown Under the Omnibus, and A Cry from the Far Middle: Dispatches from a Divided Land

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FAQ

Who was P.J. O’Rourke’s first wife?

P.J. O’Rourke’s first wife was Amy Lumet.

Where did P.J. O’Rourke go to college?

P.J. O’Rourke attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

What was the cause of P.J. O’Rourke’s death?

O’Rourke died at 74 from lung cancer complications.