Synopses & Reviews
This collection of anecdotes, tales, jokes, toasts, rhymes, satire, riffs, poems, stand-up sketches, and snaps documents the evolution of African American humor over the past two centuries. It includes routines and writings from such luminaries as Bert Williams, Butterbeans & Susie, Stepin Fetchit, Moms Mabley, Ralph Ellison, Langston Hughes, Redd Foxx, Ishmael Reed, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Martin Lawrence, and Chris Rock. This anthology includes classic stage routines, literary examples, and witty quotations presented in their entirety.
Review
“Mel Watkins has done for comedy what Alex Haley did for the family.” —Ishmael Reed
Review
“Full of raucous mirth.” —
American LegacyAbout the Author
Mel Watkins is a former editor for the
New York Times Book Review and the author of
On the Real Side and
Dancing with Strangers. He lives in New York City.