Subject
American wit and humor Books
Best books
Unknown
More toasts: Jokes, stories and quotations
"More Toasts: Jokes, Stories and Quotations" by Marion Dix Mosher is a compilation of humorous anecdotes, jokes, and quotations written in the early 20th century. This collection serves as a resource for toastmasters, public speakers, and anyone looking to lighten the mood in social gatherings. Its content likely reflects the variety of topics and social issues of the time, aiming to provide levity and insight through humor. The opening of "More Toasts" begins with the editor’s preface, where Marion Dix Mosher explains the necessity for an updated collection of humorous material following the success of the previous "Toaster's Handbook." She outlines her method of selecting humorous stories and quotes, emphasizing the importance of humor in public speaking and personal interactions. Additionally, Mosher stresses that humor can serve as a social lubricant, easing tensions and fostering connections, while also hinting at the complexities underlying the appreciation of comedic elements. The introduction further dives into the significance of humor in everyday life, detailing its essential role in maintaining social bonds and personal well-being.
Bill Nye
Remarks
"Remarks" by Bill Nye is a humorous collection of essays and anecdotes written during the late 19th century. The book is presented in a light-hearted, satirical style reminiscent of the author’s stage performances, engaging the reader with Nye's witty observations on a variety of topics ranging from personal reflections and societal norms to historical figures and events. The opening of the book introduces Bill Nye's humorous tone as he reflects on the origins of his literary journey and addresses the nature of the work he has compiled. He shares amusing stories from his educational past, recounting moments like his reliance on a knot-hole to aid his memory in school and the competitive spirit he encountered with classmates. Nye's writing is characterized by lively anecdotes, such as his somnambulistic adventures and a tongue-in-cheek critique of Noah Webster's dictionary, which he wittily suggests lacks the engaging narrative qualities found in his own literary endeavors. The opening sets the stage for a light-hearted exploration of various subjects, promising readers an entertaining and insightful journey through Nye's unique perspective on life and literature.
Eddie Cantor
Talkies
No description available.
Unknown
The Wit and Humor of America, Volume X (of X)
"The Wit and Humor of America, Volume X" by Marshall P. Wilder is a collection of humorous writings and sketches created in the early 20th century. This compilation showcases a variety of comedic pieces from different authors, reflecting the wit and cultural nuances of American humor during this time period. The book features a mix of poems, short stories, and humorous remarks that capture the essence of American life and social commentary. At the start of the volume, the opening portions introduce several entertaining pieces, including "Trouble-Proof" by Edwin L. Sabin, which humorously explores the character of a seemingly untroubled man, and "Johnny's Pa" by Wilbur D. Nesbit, which reflects on the humorous notions children have about their parents' school days. The excerpts illustrate various comedic styles and subjects, with witty observations and playful narratives that highlight the uniqueness of American humor through satire and lighthearted anecdotes. Each piece sets the stage for the subsequent humorous explorations to come in the collection.
Unknown
Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor, Volume I
"Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor, Volume I" by Thomas L. Masson is a collection of humorous writings and anecdotes compiled from various renowned American authors, likely originating in the late 19th century. The anthology showcases contributions from significant figures such as Washington Irving, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Mark Twain, and Benjamin Franklin, capturing the wit and whimsy of American humor through a diverse range of excerpts, poems, and narratives. At the start of this anthology, the editor offers insight into the selection process, emphasizing a blend of well-known and lesser-known pieces that highlight the colorful characters of American imagination. The opening sections introduce readers to amusing historical figures, starting with Washington Irving's portrayal of Wouter Van Twiller, who is characterized as a ponderous and humorously indecisive governor. These early tales establish a playful tone, setting the stage for a delightful exploration of the quirks and follies that define the characters and situations in the accompanying collections of wit and humor, thereby inviting readers to appreciate the rich tradition of American comedic storytelling.
Artemus Ward
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward (HTML edition)
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward" by Artemus Ward is a collection of humorous writings written during the mid-19th century. The book features a variety of essays, sketches, and letters that reflect the comedic and satirical observations of Charles Farrar Browne, the man behind the pseudonym Artemis Ward, who became known for his wit and unique style. The writings delve into various topics, including social issues, personal anecdotes from his life as a showman, and commentary on contemporary events, with an emphasis on the absurdities of human nature. At the start of the work, we are introduced to the author through a biographical sketch that recounts his upbringing and his path to becoming a celebrated humorist. The opening chapters present a rich tapestry of his encounters within the entertainment world, showcasing his interactions with both audience and celebrities, including notable historical figures. Noteworthy pieces such as his "business letters" humorously detail his showman's perspective, using a distinct speech style that underscores the comical content. Additionally, Ward's satirical views on religion, politics, and societal norms provide insight into the culture of his time, all delivered with a sharp humor that reflects both charm and social critique.
Unknown
Toaster's Handbook: Jokes, Stories, and Quotations
"Toaster's Handbook: Jokes, Stories, and Quotations" by Peggy Edmund and Harold Workman Williams is a collection of humorous anecdotes, jokes, and quotations compiled for the purpose of aiding speakers in delivering toasts, likely written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a resource for those faced with the daunting task of speaking in social situations, providing a variety of material that is both entertaining and thought-provoking to lighten the mood and engage an audience. The opening of the book begins with a preface that captures the anxieties associated with making a toast at a gathering. It sets the tone for the handbook as a light-hearted manual intended to rescue nervous speakers from their fears by presenting a well-organized selection of jokes and stories categorized under various subjects. Notably, the preface emphasizes the importance of humor in social interactions and suggests that the sense of humor can smooth over the complexities of public speaking. The subsequent sections are aimed at guiding readers on how to respond to their audience effectively, promoting a sense of camaraderie and laughter while delivering a toast.
Unknown
The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe
"The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe" by James Parton is a collection of humorous poetry that spans from the 14th century to the 19th century. This anthology showcases a wide range of comic forms, including narratives, satires, burlesques, and epigrams from significant poets and satirists throughout English literature. The volume aims to present the best shorter humorous poems accessible to modern readers, allowing them to enjoy the wit and irony of the English literary tradition. The opening of the anthology includes a preface outlining the editor's intentions, emphasizing the lack of obscenity and the choice of works that remain relatable to contemporary audiences. Parton notes that despite the richness of humor in conversational forms, the actual quantity of effective humorous poetry is limited. The initial selection features poems from notable figures, including Chaucer, Burns, and Byron, focusing on playful themes that range from the comic trials of everyday life to light-hearted reflections on love and nature. The early works exhibit a delightful variety of comedic devices and approaches that engage the reader with laughter, setting the tone for a journey through the amusing intricacies of English poetry.
Unknown
The Humour of America Selected, with an Introduction and Index of American Humorists
"The Humour of America" by Angus Evan Abbott and C. E. Brock is a collection of humorous writings representing various American authors, likely compiled in the early 20th century. The anthology celebrates American humor and its diverse styles through the works of notable figures such as Mark Twain, Eugene Field, and Bill Nye, providing readers an insight into the wit and comedic traditions of America over time. At the start of the collection, the introduction outlines the compiler's intentions and emphasizes the importance of allowing the humorists showcased to speak for themselves, highlighting their unique contributions without interference. Subsequently, the opening pieces include whimsical anecdotes and delightful verses, such as Bill Nye’s reflective story about his dog Kosciusko, and James Whitcomb Riley’s charming poem on the pleasures of summer. The initial tone is light and playful, setting the stage for a rich exploration of humor that encapsulates quintessentially American experiences and characters.
Anonymous
Jokes For All Occasions Selected and Edited by One of America's Foremost Public Speakers
"Jokes For All Occasions" by Anonymous is a collection of humorous anecdotes and jokes written in the early 20th century. This work aims to provide a trove of funny stories suitable for various social situations and occasions, underlining the universality of humor across cultures and times. It is designed for anyone wanting to add a light-hearted touch to their conversations or speeches. The opening of the collection includes a preface that discusses the nuances of storytelling and the effective delivery of jokes. It establishes the importance of both brevity and detail in telling anecdotes, as well as the value of practice in honing one's comedic skills. Alongside this guidance, there is an exploration of humor's various forms—its cultural interpretations and universal appeal—setting the stage for the jokes that follow, which are organized by themes to assist narrators in selecting appropriate anecdotes for any number of social contexts.
Gilbert Seldes
The Seven Lively Arts
"The Seven Lively Arts" by Gilbert Seldes is a critical examination of various forms of American entertainment written in the early 20th century. The text explores how these lively arts, including vaudeville and film, were often dismissed by the cultural elite, yet they uniquely captured and reflected the spirit of their time. Through an affectionate lens, Seldes argues for their significance and artistic value, featuring noteworthy figures such as Charlie Chaplin. The opening of the book sets the tone for Seldes' exploration by addressing slapstick comedy and its place in American culture. He reflects on the origins and evolution of the Keystone comedies, emphasizing their distinctive charm and vitality despite critical neglect. Seldes acknowledges the influence of great comedic artists, particularly Mack Sennett and Chaplin, while critiquing the broader societal perceptions of comedy as a vulgar or unrefined art form. Through an insightful narrative, he positions slapstick and its creators within the larger artistic landscape of American culture, advocating for a deeper appreciation of the genre.
Unknown
The Wit and Humor of America, Volume I. (of X.)
"The Wit and Humor of America, Volume I" by Marshall P. Wilder is a collection of humorous writings edited by Wilder, likely created in the early 20th century. This anthology features a wide range of comedic pieces, including poems, short stories, and anecdotes from various American authors, aiming to showcase the unique styles of American humor. The collection includes works from notable figures such as Mark Twain and Oliver Wendell Holmes, and reflects the lighthearted, satirical spirit of the time. The opening portion of the anthology introduces readers to the theme of humor through Wilder's foreword, where he extols the virtues of laughter and the individuals who evoke it. He emphasizes the joy and value in humor and highlights several prominent humorists, mentioning their distinctive styles and contributions to the genre. This section lays the groundwork for the subsequent selection of humorous pieces, which promise to entertain and provoke laughter, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the delightful and varied expressions of American wit.
Recently surfaced classics