— by PWUUSTE Taree ee aes “Every great book reminds us that we're all alone in the world. At least this one provides us with the means to entertain ourselves while we're here.” —Lemony Snicket How to Do Nothing with Nobody All Alone by Yourself AS by Robert Paul Smith Illustrations by Elinor Goulding Smith a IN \ c\ \ | \SCopyright © 1958 by Robert Paul Smith Copyright © renewed 1986 by the Estate of Robert Paul Smith First published by W. W. Norton and Company 1958 Published by Tin House Books 2010 Allrights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information, contact Tin House Books, 2601 NW Thurman St, Portland, OR 97210. Parental Advisory: This book describes activities that may be dangerous ifnot done exactly as directed or that may be inappropri- ate for young children. All of these activities should be carried out under adult supervision only. The author's estate and the publisher expressly disclaim all liability for any injury or damages that may result from engaging in the activities contained in this book. Published by Tin House Books, Portland, Oregon, and New York, New York Distributed to the trade by Publishers Group West, 1700 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710, www.pgw.com Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Smith, Robert Paul. How to do nothing with nobody all alone by yourself / by Robert Paul Smith. — Tin House Books ed. p.cm. Originally published: New York : Norton, 1958. ISBN 978-0-9820539-5-9 1. Amusements. L. Title. GV1203.S63 2010 793—de22 2009037103 Printed in the USA Interior design by Janet Parker www-inhouse.comFor Nathalie, who ate my spinach