The Encyclopedia of Humor: A Social History explores the concept of humor in history and modern society in the United States and internationally. This work’s

A professor of American Studies—and stand-up comic—examines sharply focused comedy and its cultural utility in contemporary society. Outstanding Academic Ti

Critical studies attempting to define and dissect American humor have been published steadily for nearly one hundred years. However, until now, key documents fr

Stepping out of the darkness, the American emerges upon the stage of history as a new character, as puzzling to himself as to others. American Humor, Constance

Stephen Colbert, Samantha Bee, John Oliver, and Jimmy Kimmel—these comedians are household names whose satirical takes on politics, the news, and current even