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Comedy Book

How Comedy Conquered Culture–and the Magic That Makes It Work
By Jesse David Fox
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Comedy Book by Jesse David Fox is a sharp, heartfelt exploration of comedy’s vast landscape, tracing its evolution through recent decades as it burgeoned into a dominant cultural force. Through insightful analysis and engaging storytelling, Fox delves into comedy’s political legacy, the cultural significance of iconic figures like Jon Stewart and Adam Sandler, and the vital spaces created by marginalized comedians. This book deftly navigates contemporary issues such as political correctness, cultural divides, and comedy’s role in healing, enriched by reflections on major moments like Will Smith's infamous slap. Featuring memorable portraits of celebrated comedians, it offers readers an eye-opening journey into the art form that shapes how we laugh and relate.
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Format: Hardback
$5499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in arts and culture, particularly those curious about the art and influence of comedy. Fans of comedy history, pop culture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a thoughtful yet entertaining examination of how humour shapes society will find this a compelling read.

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"From a beloved comedy critic, a wisecracking, heartfelt, and overdue chronicle of comedy's boom-and its magic"--

From a beloved comedy critic, a wisecracking, heartfelt, and overdue chronicle of comedy's boom - and its magic.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Named a Most Anticipated Book by Vulture, Elle, Chicago Tribune, The Millions, and Lit Hub

Comedy Book changes the way we talk about an art form that is more diverse and exciting than ever before. -Seth Meyers

A sharp, loving, well written exploration and analysis of the art form that makes us smile, helps us relate, and is perpetually mysterious. -Jenny Slate

From a beloved comedy critic, a wisecracking, heartfelt, and overdue chronicle of comedy's boom-and its magic.

Comedy is king. From multimillion-dollar TV specials to sold-out stand-up shows and TikTok stardom, comedy has never been more popular, democratised, or influential. Comedians have become organising forces across culture—as trusted as politicians and as fawned-over as celebrities—yet comedy as an art form has gone under-considered throughout its history, even as it has ascended as a cultural force.

In Comedy Book, Jesse David Fox—the country's most definitive voice in comedy criticism and someone who, in his own words, "enjoys comedy maybe more than anyone on this planet"—tackles everything you need to know about comedy. Weaving together history and analysis, Fox unravels the genre's political legacy through an ode to Jon Stewart, interrogates the divide between highbrow and lowbrow via Adam Sandler, and unpacks how marginalised comics create spaces for their communities. Along the way, Fox covers everything from comedy in the age of political correctness and Will Smith's slap to the right wing's relationship with comedy and, for Fox, comedy's ability to heal personal tragedy.

With memorable cameos from Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, John Mulaney, Ali Wong, Kate Berlant, and countless others, Comedy Book is an eye-opening education in how to engage with our most omnipresent art form, a riotous history of American pop culture, and a love letter to laughter.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The New York Times Book Review praises it as "an energetic and wise book" that presents a personal history of comedy rather than a definitive one. Today Show’s Isaac Fitzgerald notes the book’s blend of criticism, history, and personal experience, likening it to a conversation with an intelligent and passionate friend. The Atlantic commends its compendious and deeply considered approach, comparing Fox’s comedy criticism to the immersive jazz writing of the mid-20th century. The book is recognised for its savvy insights and engaging rhythm, providing both education and entertainment.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780374604714

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 07 November 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 33.0mm

Width: 143.0mm

Height: 219.0mm

Weight: 478g

Pages: 368

Collections

Arts & Culture Education & Reference Humour Jesse David Fox Non-Fiction

About the Author

Jesse David Fox is a Senior Editor at Vulture, where he works as the site's comedy critic and serves as the Chief Curator of the magazine's event series, Vulture Festival. He is also the host of the hit podcast Good One, where he interviews comedians about their process. He lives in Brooklyn.

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