Encyclopedia of American Humorists (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities)

Book by Gale

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.
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