Beyond a Joke: The Limits of Humour

Humour is pervasive in contemporary culture, and is generally celebrated as a public good. Yet there are times when it is felt to produce intolerance, misunderstanding or even hatred. This book brings together, for the first time, contributions that consider the ethics as well as the aesthetics of humour. The book focuses on the abuses and limits of humour, some of which excite considerable social tension and controversy. Beyond a Joke is an exciting intervention, full of challenging questions and issues.

MICHAEL BILLIG Professor of Social Sciences, Loughborough University, UK DEBORAH CHAMBERS Reader in the Sociology of Culture and Communication, Nottingham Trent University, UK FRANCES GRAY Senior Lecturer in Drama, Sheffield University, UK DENNIS HOWITT Reader in Applied Psychology, Loughborough University, UK JOHN MORREALL Professor of Religious Studies at the College of William and Mary, USA and President of Humorworks Seminars (www.humorworks.com) KWAME OWUSU-BEMPAH Reader in Psychology, Leicester University, School of Social Work, UK JERRY PALMER Professor of Communications, London Metropolitan University and Visiting Professor in the Sociology Department, City University, UK KEN WILLIS English teacher currently working in Liverpool, UK