Jews and Humor (Studies in Jewish Civilization) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1557535973 ISBN 13: 9781557535979

Publisher: Purdue University Press, 2011

Synopsis

Jews and humor is, for most people, a natural and felicitous collocation. In spite of, or perhaps because of, a history of crises and living on the edge, Jews have often created or resorted to humor. But what is humor? And what makes certain types, instances, or performances of humor Jewish ? These are among the myriad queries addressed by the fourteen authors whose essays are collected in this volume. And, thankfully, their observations, always apt and often witty, are expressed with a lightness of style and a depth of analysis that are appropriate to the many topics they cover. The scholars who contributed to this collection allow readers both to discern the common features that make up Jewish humor and to delight in the individualism and eccentricities of the many figures whose lives and accomplishments are narrated here. Because these essays are written in a clear, jargon-free style, they will appeal to everyone”even those who don't usually crack a smile!

About this title

About the Author:

Leonard J. Greenspoon is professor of classical and near eastern studies and of theology and holds the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University.

Review:

What constitutes Jewish humor   from Al Jolson and the Marx brothers to

"wild women" comedians and Woody Allen   is taken seriously, and its roots

are traced back to the immigrant experience, parodies in rabbinic literature, and Job and other biblical stories. Greenspoon (classical and Near Eastern studies and theology/Jewish civilization, Creighton U., Omaha,

Nebraska) introduces 14 papers presented at his campus in October 2009 with a selection of examples of wordplay, role reversals, self-deprecation and other forms of humor from each. (Annotation C2011 Book News Inc. Portland,

OR)

About this edition

• Publisher: Purdue University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1557535973
• ISBN 13: 9781557535979
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 236
• Editor: Greenspoon Leonard J.