Stephen Leacock
Further Foolishness
"Further Foolishness" by Stephen Leacock is a collection of humorous sketches and satires written in the early 20th century, specifically during the World War I era. The work addresses the absurdities of contemporary society, media, and literature, combining wit and social commentary. Through various themes, Leacock explores the follies of human behavior and the ridiculousness of certain social norms, likely employing an array of quirky characters to illustrate his points. At the start of the book, Leacock sets the tone with a preface that recounts a childhood memory of a strict yet kind schoolmaster who would admonish students with a phrase suggesting they contain their silliness. This theme of foolishness carries through to the content, where Leacock introduces a series of amusing anecdotes and parodies, such as exaggerated detective stories and critiques of modern narratives. The opening sketches highlight the demand for brevity in fiction, playfully poking fun at the tendency to condense complex narratives into simplistic forms, ultimately showcasing Leacock’s sharp critique of the literary landscape of his time.