In this book, Garry Berman celebrates a beloved genre, revisiting how audiences enjoyed comedy across the decades from vaudeville and radio to film and television, and more. The book covers early pioneers such as Charlie Chaplin, comedy groups like the Three Stooges, trailblazing women such as Lucille Ball, and stand-up comedians like Jerry Seinfeld. Additionally, Berman chronicles how everything from new ways of consuming media, political upheaval, changes in taste, and diversity of performers have shaped the comedy landscape of today. He charts an insightful and humorous narrative that features reviews and comments by critics and observers, as well as insights from the comedians themselves.

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