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On Jokes (or, why everything you know about comedy is wrong)

The Hidden Mechanics of Funny

by Jimmy Carr, Amanda Baker, Abi Grant ...

The Big BangNatural SelectionE = mc2All pretty decent theories, that beg one question: why has no-one discovered a fully unified theory for what makes jokes funny?Well, comedy director Amanda Baker, comedy writer Abi Grant and stand-up comedian Jimmy Carr have done just that. In this book, in case that's not obvious. From how to identify the families of jokes, to decoding the building blocks of ... Read more

$22.99 CAD

The Big BangNatural SelectionE = mc2All pretty decent theories, that beg one question: why has no-one discovered a fully unified theory for what makes jokes funny?Well, comedy director Amanda Baker, comedy writer Abi Grant and stand-up comedian Jimmy Carr have done just that. In this book, in case that's not obvious. From how to identify the families of jokes, to decoding the building blocks of
... Read more
Rabbit

A Memoir

by Patricia Williams, Jeannine Amber ...

Nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work"An absolute must-read" – Shondaland“[Rabbit] tells how it went down with brutal honesty and outrageous humor” – New York TimesThey called her Rabbit.Patricia Williams (aka Ms. Pat) was born and raised in Atlanta at the height of the crack epidemic. One of five children, Pat watched as her mother struggled to get by on... ... Read more

Was $11.99 CAD Now $2.99 CAD

Nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work"An absolute must-read" – Shondaland“[Rabbit] tells how it went down with brutal honesty and outrageous humor” – New York TimesThey called her Rabbit.Patricia Williams (aka Ms. Pat) was born and raised in Atlanta at the height of the crack epidemic. One of five children, Pat watched as her mother struggled to get by on...
... Read more
Emperor of Nothing

The Making of Larry David

by Blake J. Harris ...

The first authorized biography of legendary comedian Larry David, co-creator of Seinfeld and star and creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm, featuring exclusive interviews with Larry himself as well as his family, friends, and colleaguesFrom Seinfeld to Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David has built a comedy empire on candid observations, endless self-deprecation, and an ... ... Read more

$21.99 CAD

The first authorized biography of legendary comedian Larry David, co-creator of Seinfeld and star and creator of Curb Your Enthusiasm, featuring exclusive interviews with Larry himself as well as his family, friends, and colleaguesFrom Seinfeld to Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David has built a comedy empire on candid observations, endless self-deprecation, and an ...
... Read more
Almost Interesting

The Memoir

by David Spade ...

David Spade is best known for his harsh “Hollywood” Minute Sketches on SNL, his starring roles in movies like Joe Dirt and Tommy Boy, and his seven-year stint as Dennis Finch on the series Just Shoot Me. Now, with a wit as dry as the weather in his home state of Arizona, the “comic brat extraordinaire” tells his story in Almost Interesting.First Taking fans back to his childhood as a wannabe cool ... Read more

Was $11.99 CAD Now $2.99 CAD

David Spade is best known for his harsh “Hollywood” Minute Sketches on SNL, his starring roles in movies like Joe Dirt and Tommy Boy, and his seven-year stint as Dennis Finch on the series Just Shoot Me. Now, with a wit as dry as the weather in his home state of Arizona, the “comic brat extraordinaire” tells his story in Almost Interesting.First Taking fans back to his childhood as a wannabe cool
... Read more
Thirst

Twelve Drinks that Changed My Life - 'The most honest, helpful and perceptive book I've ever read about alcohol, and also the funniest' Josh Widdicombe

by John Robins ...

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'The funniest book ever written about wanting to drink yourself to death' Lou Sanders'Insightful and intelligent. Harrowing but hopeful. And, as always, hilarious' Adrian Chiles**'A triumph, and as powerful a description of alcoholism as I've read' Bryony Gordon___________________John Robins is a critically acclaimed stand-up comedi... ... Read more

$17.99 CAD

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'The funniest book ever written about wanting to drink yourself to death' Lou Sanders'Insightful and intelligent. Harrowing but hopeful. And, as always, hilarious' Adrian Chiles**'A triumph, and as powerful a description of alcoholism as I've read' Bryony Gordon___________________John Robins is a critically acclaimed stand-up comedi...
... Read more
Born a Crime

Stories from a South African Childhood

by Trevor Noah ...

**THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION, UPDATED WITH A NEW EPILOGUE FROM TREVOR NOAH!#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A “brilliant” (Lupita Nyong’o, Time), “poignant” (Entertainment Weekly), “soul-nourishing” (USA Today) memoir about coming of age during the twilight of apartheid“Noah’s childhood stories are told with all the hilarity and intellect that characterizes his comedy, while illuminating a dark ... Read more

$14.99 CAD

**THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION, UPDATED WITH A NEW EPILOGUE FROM TREVOR NOAH!#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A “brilliant” (Lupita Nyong’o, Time), “poignant” (Entertainment Weekly), “soul-nourishing” (USA Today) memoir about coming of age during the twilight of apartheid“Noah’s childhood stories are told with all the hilarity and intellect that characterizes his comedy, while illuminating a dark
... Read more
How to be Champion

The No.1 Sunday Times Bestselling Autobiography

by Sarah Millican ...

Hilarious, heartwarming and inspirational, this is the number 1 Sunday Times bestselling autobiography by comedian Sarah Millican. The funniest book of the year!*****'The naughtiest, helpiest, laughieoutloudiest and goodest book I've ever done reading on. Give that girl a banana!' DAWN FRENCHSARAH MILLICAN'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH, FEEL NORMAL AND PROBABLY SNIFF YOUR LEGGINGS.Part ... Read more

$6.99 CAD

Hilarious, heartwarming and inspirational, this is the number 1 Sunday Times bestselling autobiography by comedian Sarah Millican. The funniest book of the year!*****'The naughtiest, helpiest, laughieoutloudiest and goodest book I've ever done reading on. Give that girl a banana!' DAWN FRENCHSARAH MILLICAN'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH, FEEL NORMAL AND PROBABLY SNIFF YOUR LEGGINGS.Part
... Read more
Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee

An Epically Short History of Our Kings and Queens

by Charlie Higson ...

A Waterstones Best History Book 2025A BBC History Magazine Book of the Year 2025‘Learned, entertaining and highly approachable’ BOB MORTIMER‘A treat’ ALICE LOXTON‘Five stars from me…’ AL MURRAYAn unmissable collaboration between two comedy legends – an irresistible, family-friendly deep dive into the murky lives of the British monarchy.... ... Read more

$22.99 CAD

A Waterstones Best History Book 2025A BBC History Magazine Book of the Year 2025‘Learned, entertaining and highly approachable’ BOB MORTIMER‘A treat’ ALICE LOXTON‘Five stars from me…’ AL MURRAYAn unmissable collaboration between two comedy legends – an irresistible, family-friendly deep dive into the murky lives of the British monarchy....
... Read more
Lucky Loser

Adventures in Tennis and Comedy

by Michael Kosta ...

From a host of The Daily Show and stand-up comic, Michael Kosta, comes a wildly funny and insightful comedian memoir about his unlikely journey from professional tennis player (#864 in the world) to professional comedian (there’s no ranking system in comedy but he’s probably . . . top 50?).Before Michael Kosta was performing stand-up comedy specials and hosting The Daily Show, he was a ... Read more

$19.99 CAD

From a host of The Daily Show and stand-up comic, Michael Kosta, comes a wildly funny and insightful comedian memoir about his unlikely journey from professional tennis player (#864 in the world) to professional comedian (there’s no ranking system in comedy but he’s probably . . . top 50?).Before Michael Kosta was performing stand-up comedy specials and hosting The Daily Show, he was a
... Read more
John Candy

A Life in Comedy

by Paul Myers ...

The definitive biography of John Candy—a heartwarming portrait of one of comedy’s most beloved and enduring stars.INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Vulture's #1 Comedy Book of 2025 • A Globe and Mail, National Post, and CBC Best Book of 2025"Reading this book was like reconnecting with an old friend. I laughed, I cried, I didn't want it to end.” —Judd Apatow“A thoughtful, thorou... ... Read more

$19.99 CAD or Free with Kobo Plus

The definitive biography of John Candy—a heartwarming portrait of one of comedy’s most beloved and enduring stars.INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Vulture's #1 Comedy Book of 2025 • A Globe and Mail, National Post, and CBC Best Book of 2025"Reading this book was like reconnecting with an old friend. I laughed, I cried, I didn't want it to end.” —Judd Apatow“A thoughtful, thorou...
... Read more
The Book of Tolan

Easy Come Easy Go

by T I WADE ...

Following the exploits of the Tolan family in Banking, Beer & Robert The Bruce, Volume II picks up the pace with motorcycle-racing, The ‘Battle of Britain’, flying by-the-seat-of-your-pants, and then the thrill of discovering the opposite sex in the free-wheelin’ “flower-power” era.Beginning in the 1930′s in England, the story follows the exploits of Colonel William Tate through the Second World ... Read more

$6.58 CAD or Free with Kobo Plus

Following the exploits of the Tolan family in Banking, Beer & Robert The Bruce, Volume II picks up the pace with motorcycle-racing, The ‘Battle of Britain’, flying by-the-seat-of-your-pants, and then the thrill of discovering the opposite sex in the free-wheelin’ “flower-power” era.Beginning in the 1930′s in England, the story follows the exploits of Colonel William Tate through the Second World
... Read more
I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You

The Celebrity Traitors Star Reveals the Lessons She’s Learned in Her Story to Joy

by Miranda Hart ...

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERConnection and laughter and joy are everything. To meet someone and just play and laugh – it’s all us humans need. I’ve had times in my life when I haven’t had that, through illness, and finding it again has brought back my silly, sensitive soul.‘One of the most inspiring and comforting books I’ve ever read’ *****‘The kindness and compassion in this book will ... Read more

$10.99 CAD

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERConnection and laughter and joy are everything. To meet someone and just play and laugh – it’s all us humans need. I’ve had times in my life when I haven’t had that, through illness, and finding it again has brought back my silly, sensitive soul.‘One of the most inspiring and comforting books I’ve ever read’ *****‘The kindness and compassion in this book will
... Read more
Robin

by Dave Itzkoff ...

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITOR'S CHOICEA SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE BEST BOOK OF THE YEARA VULTURE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR"A generous, appreciative biography of Robin Williams by a New York Times culture reporter. The author, who had access to Williams and members of the comedian’s family, is an unabashed f... ... Read more

$17.99 CAD

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITOR'S CHOICEA SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE BEST BOOK OF THE YEARA VULTURE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR"A generous, appreciative biography of Robin Williams by a New York Times culture reporter. The author, who had access to Williams and members of the comedian’s family, is an unabashed f...
... Read more
Live From New York

The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests

by James Andrew Miller, Tom Shales ...

James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales's definitive oral history of Saturday Night Live, hailed as "incredible" (Vulture) and "required reading" (People).When first published to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, Live from New York was immediately proclaimed the best book ever produced on the landmark and legendary late-night show. In their own words, unfiltered and uncensored, a ... Read more

$17.99 CAD

James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales's definitive oral history of Saturday Night Live, hailed as "incredible" (Vulture) and "required reading" (People).When first published to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, Live from New York was immediately proclaimed the best book ever produced on the landmark and legendary late-night show. In their own words, unfiltered and uncensored, a
... Read more
I Must Say

My Life As a Humble Comedy Legend

by Martin Short ...

“Short’s endearing memoir is, of course, funny, but it’s also a rare thing: the tale of a genuine human being who’s thrived on planet Hollywood.” — Washington PostIn this engagingly witty, wise, and heartfelt celebrity memoir, Martin Short tells the tale of how a showbiz-obsessed kid from Canada transformed himself into one of Hollywood's favorite funnymen, known to his famous peers as the ... Read more

$11.99 CAD or Free with Kobo Plus

“Short’s endearing memoir is, of course, funny, but it’s also a rare thing: the tale of a genuine human being who’s thrived on planet Hollywood.” — Washington PostIn this engagingly witty, wise, and heartfelt celebrity memoir, Martin Short tells the tale of how a showbiz-obsessed kid from Canada transformed himself into one of Hollywood's favorite funnymen, known to his famous peers as the
... Read more
You Are My Happy Ending

Schitt's Creek and the Legacy of Queer Television

by Emily Garside ...

From the show's modest beginnings to its massive Emmy sweep, You Are My Happy Ending tells the story of how Schitt’s Creek became the surprise hit that changed the way we think about LGBTQ relationships.Cultural analyst Emily Garside shows how this series fused classic romcom and sitcom tropes to create a world with a queer love story at its core, starting with Daniel Levy, the co-creator who ... Read more

$27.39 CAD

From the show's modest beginnings to its massive Emmy sweep, You Are My Happy Ending tells the story of how Schitt’s Creek became the surprise hit that changed the way we think about LGBTQ relationships.Cultural analyst Emily Garside shows how this series fused classic romcom and sitcom tropes to create a world with a queer love story at its core, starting with Daniel Levy, the co-creator who
... Read more
Catch Your Breath

The Secret Life of a Sleepless Anaesthetist

by Ed Patrick ...

'Brilliantly funny.' - Matt Lucas'You have to read this book.' - Tim Harford'It's funny, touching and gobsmacking in equal measure. At its heart is a breathtaking account of life on the COVID frontline.' - Jay Rayner'Ed's journey is funny, sad, harrowing, hilarious... I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO READ THIS.' - Colin Mochrie'Very Funny.' - Fern Brady'I love your boo... ... Read more

$7.99 CAD

'Brilliantly funny.' - Matt Lucas'You have to read this book.' - Tim Harford'It's funny, touching and gobsmacking in equal measure. At its heart is a breathtaking account of life on the COVID frontline.' - Jay Rayner'Ed's journey is funny, sad, harrowing, hilarious... I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO READ THIS.' - Colin Mochrie'Very Funny.' - Fern Brady'I love your boo...
... Read more
The Fry Chronicles

An Autobiography

by Stephen Fry ...

The British actor, writer, and comedy legend tells his story: "Funny, poignant . . . His prose feels like an ideal form of conversation." — The Washington PostA #1 Sunday Times BestsellerWhen Stephen Fry arrived at Cambridge, he was a convicted thief, an addict, and a failed suicide, convinced that he would be expelled. Instead, university life offered him love and the chance to entertain. He ... Read more

$17.59 CAD or Free with Kobo Plus

The British actor, writer, and comedy legend tells his story: "Funny, poignant . . . His prose feels like an ideal form of conversation." — The Washington PostA #1 Sunday Times BestsellerWhen Stephen Fry arrived at Cambridge, he was a convicted thief, an addict, and a failed suicide, convinced that he would be expelled. Instead, university life offered him love and the chance to entertain. He
... Read more
Ali's Well That Ends Well

Tales of Desperation and a Little Inspiration

by Ali Wentworth ...

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERBestselling author Ali Wentworth offers a comedic look at family, friendship, and lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic in her new collection of laugh-out-loud comic vignettes.Like many, Ali Wentworth spent the pandemic seesawing between highs, lows, and baking an unnecessary amount of chocolate cake. Between binging every tv show in existence to conquering TikTok ... Read more

$11.99 CAD

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERBestselling author Ali Wentworth offers a comedic look at family, friendship, and lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic in her new collection of laugh-out-loud comic vignettes.Like many, Ali Wentworth spent the pandemic seesawing between highs, lows, and baking an unnecessary amount of chocolate cake. Between binging every tv show in existence to conquering TikTok
... Read more
Outrageous

A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars

by Kliph Nesteroff ...

From the preeminent historian of comedy, an expansive history of show business and the battles over culture that have echoed through the decades and changed the United States“Outrageous is required reading. An essential book of the social history of the United States—with laughs.” (Steve Martin)There is a common belief that we live in unprecedented times, that nobody got offended in the past, that ... Read more

$9.89 CAD or Free with Kobo Plus

From the preeminent historian of comedy, an expansive history of show business and the battles over culture that have echoed through the decades and changed the United States“Outrageous is required reading. An essential book of the social history of the United States—with laughs.” (Steve Martin)There is a common belief that we live in unprecedented times, that nobody got offended in the past, that
... Read more
Betty White on TV: From Video Vanguard to Golden Girl

by Wesley Hyatt ...

She made her TV debut in 1939 and was still on the medium eighty years later. Betty White earned her first Emmy nomination in 1951 and her last sixty-three years later. Her longevity in television earned her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.Betty White's incredible career encompasses seventeen regular roles, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, and Hot in Cleveland. ... Read more

$13.99 CAD or Free with Kobo Plus

She made her TV debut in 1939 and was still on the medium eighty years later. Betty White earned her first Emmy nomination in 1951 and her last sixty-three years later. Her longevity in television earned her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.Betty White's incredible career encompasses seventeen regular roles, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, and Hot in Cleveland.
... Read more
The Essential Dave Allen

by Graham Mccann ...

When Dave Allen passed away in March 2005, we lost a true comedy great. Sitting cross-legged on a high stool, whiskey in one hand, cigarette in the other, Dave Allen's exasperated commentaries on the absurdities of modern life struck a chord with millions of fans in Britain, Ireland and Australia for over four decades. He was a compelling storyteller - able to spin shaggy dog stories out of the ... Read more

$4.99 CAD

When Dave Allen passed away in March 2005, we lost a true comedy great. Sitting cross-legged on a high stool, whiskey in one hand, cigarette in the other, Dave Allen's exasperated commentaries on the absurdities of modern life struck a chord with millions of fans in Britain, Ireland and Australia for over four decades. He was a compelling storyteller - able to spin shaggy dog stories out of the
... Read more
The Secret Adventures of Fat Woman & Remedial Girl

by Sarah J. Lau ...

* WINNER, "BEST" Award - 2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival* WINNER, Dorrit Sibley Fiction Prize (Stanford University)A coming-of-age story--part mystery, part adventure, part comedy, part horror.Eleven-year old Louise suspects her grandmother is trying to kill her. Will Louise survive long enough to uncover the mystery behind Grandma's homicidal tendencies? Or will Louise's adventures lead her to ... Read more

$10.98 CAD

* WINNER, "BEST" Award - 2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival* WINNER, Dorrit Sibley Fiction Prize (Stanford University)A coming-of-age story--part mystery, part adventure, part comedy, part horror.Eleven-year old Louise suspects her grandmother is trying to kill her. Will Louise survive long enough to uncover the mystery behind Grandma's homicidal tendencies? Or will Louise's adventures lead her to
... Read more
Jayne Mansfield

The Girl Couldn't Help It

by Eve Golden ...

Series series Screen Classics
Jayne Mansfield (19331967) was driven not just to be an actress but to be a star. One of the most influential sex symbols of her time, she was known for her platinum blonde hair, hourglass figure, outrageously low necklines, and flamboyant lifestyle. Hardworking and ambitious, Mansfield proved early in her career that she was adept in both comic and dramatic roles, but her tenacious search for the ... Read more

$38.49 CAD

Jayne Mansfield (19331967) was driven not just to be an actress but to be a star. One of the most influential sex symbols of her time, she was known for her platinum blonde hair, hourglass figure, outrageously low necklines, and flamboyant lifestyle. Hardworking and ambitious, Mansfield proved early in her career that she was adept in both comic and dramatic roles, but her tenacious search for the
... Read more

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