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Book cover of Because I Tell A Joke Or Two
Humor - History & Criticism, Comedy Films, Film - Social Aspects, Television Programs - Comedy

Because I Tell A Joke Or Two

by Stephen Wagg
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Overview

Because I Tell a Joke or Two explores the complex relationship between comedy and the social differences of class, region, age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and nationhood. It shows how comedy has been used to sustain, challenge and to change power relationships in society. The contributors, who include Stephen Wagg, Mark Simpson, Stephen Small, Paul Wells and Frances Williams, offer readings of comedy genres, texts and performers in Britain, the United States and Australia. The collection also includes an interview with the comedian Jo Brand.
Topics addressed include:

β€’ women in British comedies such as Butterflies and Fawlty Towers

β€’ the life and times of Viz, from Billy the Fish to the Fat Slags

β€’ queer readings of Morecambe and Wise, the male double act

β€’ the Marx brothers and Jewish comedy in the United States

β€’ black radical comedy in Britain

β€’ The Golden Girls, Cheers, Friends and American society.

Synopsis

Because I Tell a Joke or Two explores the complex relationship between comedy and the social differences of class, region, age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and nationhood. It shows how comedy has been used to sustain, challenge and to change power relationships in society. The contributors, who include Stephen Wagg, Mark Simpson, Stephen Small, Paul Wells and Frances Williams, offer readings of comedy genres, texts and performers in Britain, the United States and Australia. The collection also includes an interview with the comedian Jo Brand.
Topics addressed include:

• women in British comedies such as Butterflies and Fawlty Towers

• the life and times of Viz, from Billy the Fish to the Fat Slags

• queer readings of Morecambe and Wise, the male double act

• the Marx brothers and Jewish comedy in the United States

• black radical comedy in Britain

The Golden Girls, Cheers, Friends and American society.

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Book Details

Published
March 1, 1998
Publisher
Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Pages
338
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780415129206

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