Comedy Book

How Comedy Conquered Culture–and the Magic That Makes It Work

De: Jesse David Fox

Narrado por: Jesse David Fox

Named a Most Anticipated Book by Vulture, Elle, Chicago Tribune, The Millions, and Lit Hub

"Comedy Book changes the way we talk about an art form that is more diverse and exciting than ever before.” (Seth Meyers)

"A sharp, loving, well written exploration and analysis of the art form that makes us smile, helps us relate, and is perpetually mysterious." (Jenny Slate)

From a beloved comedy critic, a wisecracking, heartfelt, and overdue chronicle of comedy’s boom—and its magic.

Comedy is king. From multimillion-dollar TV specials to sold-out stand-up shows and TikTok stardom, comedy has never been more popular, democratized, or influential. Comedians have become organizing forces across culture—as trusted as politicians and as fawned-over as celebrities—yet comedy as an art form has gone under-considered throughout its history, even as it has ascended as a cultural force.

In Comedy Book, Jesse David Fox—the country’s most definitive voice in comedy criticism and someone who, in his own words, “enjoys comedy maybe more than anyone on this planet"—tackles everything you need to know about comedy. Weaving together history and analysis, Fox unravels the genre’s political legacy through an ode to Jon Stewart, interrogates the divide between highbrow and lowbrow via Adam Sandler, and unpacks how marginalized comics create spaces for their communities. Along the way, Fox covers everything from comedy in the age of political correctness and Will Smith’s slap to the right wing’s relationship with comedy and, for Fox, comedy’s ability to heal personal tragedy.

With memorable cameos from Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, John Mulaney, Ali Wong, Kate Berlant, and countless others, Comedy Book is an eye-opening education in how to engage with our most omnipresent art form, a riotous history of American pop culture, and a love letter to laughter.

©2023 Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2023 Jesse David Fox (P)2023 Audible Inc.

Written for me.

Thank you for writing what it is like to be me in 2023. Someday my daughter will read this and hopefully understands WHY her father was a comedy nerd. Or at least what that is.

Hilarious and smart

This book is all that you need to know about comedy and you’ll still be left wanting more.

Amazing work !!

Very thorough explanation, historical facts and insights on the history of comedy. Outstanding!! Will refer back to it often.

Excellent!

I’ve been a loyal listener to Jesse David Fox’s podcast for years… this is an amazing book that is a great companion to the pod.

Keep up the good work!!

A compelling case for the art of comedy

Jesse David Fox is stand up comedy’s most important critic, defender, & champion. This book deftly analyzes the form and makes a strong case for taking it seriously. But in a good way!! Smart, loving, and walking the line between reverent and irreverent with ease.