One-Upmanship by Stephen Potter (Vintage 1962 Edition)

“One-Upmanship” is a humorous and satirical book written by Stephen Potter, first published in 1952. It is the second book in the “Gamesmanship” series, preceded by “Gamesmanship” (1947) and followed by “Lifemanship” (1950) and “Supermanship” (1969). The term “gamesmanship” coined by Potter refers to the art of winning games by clever and strategic means rather than by skill.

In “One-Upmanship,” Potter continues his exploration of social dynamics and human interactions, particularly focusing on the competitive urge to outdo others in various situations. The book humorously offers advice on how to gain the upper hand in social, professional, and everyday situations. It satirizes the often absurd and exaggerated lengths to which people might go to assert their superiority or gain an advantage over others.

Stephen Potter’s books on gamesmanship and one-upmanship became popular for their wit and clever observations on social behavior. The ideas presented in these books have influenced discussions on social psychology, communication, and interpersonal dynamics.