Encyclopedia of American Humorists (Routledge Revivals) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1138949698 ISBN 13: 9781138949690

Publisher: Routledge, 2015

Synopsis

First published in 1988, this book contains entries on famous American Humorists. Humor has been present in American literature, from the beginning, and has developed characteristics that reflect the American character, both regional and national. Although American literature was, in the past, treated as inferior to British literature, there has always been a large popular audience for the genre, which this book shows.

The figures with entries in this encyclopedia not only amuse in their writing, but also aim to enlighten- setting out to expose the foibles and foolishness of society and the individuals who compose it. It is the manner in which these authors try to accomplish this end that determines whether they appear in the volume. Indeed, the book will demonstrate that the best humor has at its base, a ready understanding of human nature.

About this title

From Library Journal:

This is a handy, well-indexed one-volume compendium of information on a comprehensive cross-section of American humorists. Entries include a brief biography, an extensive literary analysis, and a limited bibliography. The Dictionary of Literary Biography 's American Humorists (Gale, 1982) provides more in-depth coverage. There is also some inconsistency in the criteria for inclusion in this volume. Gale states that only "serious literary artists . . . should be included" as opposed to "comedians or other performers." Yet Tom Lehrer, whose "reputation as a humorist survives principally because of his cabaret and TV performances," is listed. Recommended for smaller libraries with no access to the Dictionary of Literary Biography or Contemporary Authors (Gale). Ken Phifer, Montgomery Cty. P.L. & Montgomery Coll. Lib., Rockville, Md.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1138949698
• ISBN 13: 9781138949690
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 578
• Editor: Gale Steven H.