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Yours Cruelly, Elvira

Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark

by Cassandra Peterson ...

The woman behind the icon known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the undisputed Queen of Halloween, reveals her full story filled with intimate bombshells—told by the bombshell herself.On Good Friday in 1953, at only 18 months old, 25 miles from the nearest hospital in Manhattan, Kansas, Cassandra Peterson reached for a pot on the stove and doused herself in boiling water. Third-degree burns ... Read more

Was $11.99 USD Now $1.99 USD

The woman behind the icon known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the undisputed Queen of Halloween, reveals her full story filled with intimate bombshells—told by the bombshell herself.On Good Friday in 1953, at only 18 months old, 25 miles from the nearest hospital in Manhattan, Kansas, Cassandra Peterson reached for a pot on the stove and doused herself in boiling water. Third-degree burns
... Read more
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

Was $15.99 USD Now $13.99 USD

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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
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

$12.99 USD 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
Becoming Nick and Nora

The Thin Man and the Films of William Powell and Myrna Loy

by Rob Kozlowski ...

As Nick and Nora Charles in the six Thin Man movies from 1934 to 1947, the team of William Powell and Myrna Loy showed that marriage didn't have to mean the end of the romantic comedy. From the comedic delight that was the initial The Thin Man through its five sequels as well as eight other films (including the Oscar-winning The Great Ziegfeld and Manhattan Melodrama), Powell and Loy were cemented ... Read more

$25.99 USD

As Nick and Nora Charles in the six Thin Man movies from 1934 to 1947, the team of William Powell and Myrna Loy showed that marriage didn't have to mean the end of the romantic comedy. From the comedic delight that was the initial The Thin Man through its five sequels as well as eight other films (including the Oscar-winning The Great Ziegfeld and Manhattan Melodrama), Powell and Loy were cemented
... Read more
The Art and Alchemy of Sketch Comedy Writing

by Anders Lankford ...

Why is it titled The Art and Alchemy of Sketch Comedy Writing? Well, two reasons. The first is that comedy is an art. It's subjective. It reflects the world and the world reflects it. The alchemy part is from the idea that comedy (and other arts) is transformative. I believe that comedy can change people. I believe that once you are able to laugh about something, you are able to talk about it. I ... Read more

$9.99 USD

Why is it titled The Art and Alchemy of Sketch Comedy Writing? Well, two reasons. The first is that comedy is an art. It's subjective. It reflects the world and the world reflects it. The alchemy part is from the idea that comedy (and other arts) is transformative. I believe that comedy can change people. I believe that once you are able to laugh about something, you are able to talk about it. I
... Read more
Born a Crime

Stories from a South African Childhood

by Trevor Noah ...

Series series One World Essentials
**#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • More than one million copies sold! 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 and brutal period in South Africa’s ... Read more

Was $9.99 USD Now $8.99 USD

**#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • More than one million copies sold! 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 and brutal period in South Africa’s
... Read more
An Ideal Husband

by Oscar Wilde ...

Series series Plays by Oscar Wilde
An Ideal Husband is a witty and satirical play written by Oscar Wilde. Set in Victorian England, it centers around the characters of Sir Robert Chiltern, a successful and respected politician, and Mrs. Cheveley, a scheming woman from his past who threatens to ruin his reputation. Sir Robert's seemingly ideal life is turned upside down when Mrs. Cheveley arrives in London with evidence of a past ... Read more

$3.99 USD

An Ideal Husband is a witty and satirical play written by Oscar Wilde. Set in Victorian England, it centers around the characters of Sir Robert Chiltern, a successful and respected politician, and Mrs. Cheveley, a scheming woman from his past who threatens to ruin his reputation. Sir Robert's seemingly ideal life is turned upside down when Mrs. Cheveley arrives in London with evidence of a past
... Read more
In On the Joke

The Original Queens of Standup Comedy

by Shawn Levy ...

**“A sensitive and vivid study of early female stand-ups… [Levy is a] painstaking, knowledgeable guide.” —New York Times Book ReviewA hilarious and moving account of the trailblazing women of stand-up comedy who broke down walls so they could stand before the mic—perfect for fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Hacks**Today, women are ascendant in stand-up comedy, even preeminent. They make ... Read more

$9.99 USD

**“A sensitive and vivid study of early female stand-ups… [Levy is a] painstaking, knowledgeable guide.” —New York Times Book ReviewA hilarious and moving account of the trailblazing women of stand-up comedy who broke down walls so they could stand before the mic—perfect for fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Hacks**Today, women are ascendant in stand-up comedy, even preeminent. They make
... 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

$12.99 USD 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
Mustache Shenanigans

Making Super Troopers and Other Adventures in Comedy

by Jay Chandrasekhar ...

Director, writer, and actor Jay Chandrasekhar tells the hilarious stories behind his films Super Troopers and Super Troopers 2 (out on 4/20/2018!), the history of his comedy group, Broken Lizard, and everything in between.Jay Chandrasekhar has spent the past two decades writing, directing, and acting in film and TV. With his comedy group, Broken Lizard, he has produced and directed beloved movies ... Read more

$4.99 USD

Director, writer, and actor Jay Chandrasekhar tells the hilarious stories behind his films Super Troopers and Super Troopers 2 (out on 4/20/2018!), the history of his comedy group, Broken Lizard, and everything in between.Jay Chandrasekhar has spent the past two decades writing, directing, and acting in film and TV. With his comedy group, Broken Lizard, he has produced and directed beloved movies
... Read more
Comedy Book

How Comedy Conquered Culture—and the Magic That Makes It Work

by Jesse David Fox ...

One of NPR’s Best Books of 2023. A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice. Named a Most Anticipated Book by Vulture, Elle, Chicago Tribune, The Millions, and Lit Hub.“*Comedy Book*changes the way we talk about an art form that is more diverse and exciting than ever before.” —Seth Meyers“Energetic and wise . . . Comedy Book <... ... Read more

$12.99 USD

One of NPR’s Best Books of 2023. A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice. Named a Most Anticipated Book by Vulture, Elle, Chicago Tribune, The Millions, and Lit Hub.“*Comedy Book*changes the way we talk about an art form that is more diverse and exciting than ever before.” —Seth Meyers“Energetic and wise . . . Comedy Book <...
... Read more
If Love were Oil, I'd be about a Quart Low

by Lewis Grizzard ...

A veteran of the Divorce Wars speaks out ... on growing up (Happiness is a Red-Headed Cheerleader), first love (She Wore Spaghetti, But I Loved Her Anyway), marriage (Panty Hose on the Show Rod and Raisins in the Rice), and divorce (Loneliness and No Clean Underwear). Grizzard even offers advice to the young (Never Kiss a Lady When Her Mouth is Full of Snuff) and how his mother gave him fresh ... Read more

$4.99 USD

A veteran of the Divorce Wars speaks out ... on growing up (Happiness is a Red-Headed Cheerleader), first love (She Wore Spaghetti, But I Loved Her Anyway), marriage (Panty Hose on the Show Rod and Raisins in the Rice), and divorce (Loneliness and No Clean Underwear). Grizzard even offers advice to the young (Never Kiss a Lady When Her Mouth is Full of Snuff) and how his mother gave him fresh
... Read more
First Lady of Laughs

The Forgotten Story of Jean Carroll, America's First Jewish Woman Stand-Up Comedian

by Grace Kessler Overbeke ...

Before Hacks and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, there was the comedienne who started it allFirst Lady of Laughs tells the story of Jean Carroll, the first Jewish woman to become a star in the field we now call stand-up comedy. Though rarely mentioned among the pantheon of early stand-up comics such as Henny Youngman and Lenny Bruce, Jean Carroll rivaled or even outshone the male counterparts of her ... Read more

$17.09 USD

Before Hacks and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, there was the comedienne who started it allFirst Lady of Laughs tells the story of Jean Carroll, the first Jewish woman to become a star in the field we now call stand-up comedy. Though rarely mentioned among the pantheon of early stand-up comics such as Henny Youngman and Lenny Bruce, Jean Carroll rivaled or even outshone the male counterparts of her
... Read more
Everyone You Hate Is Going to Die

And Other Comforting Thoughts on Family, Friends, Sex, Love, and More Things That Ruin Your Life

by Daniel Sloss ...

One of this generation's hottest and boldest young comedians presents a transgressive and hilarious analysis of all of our dysfunctional relationships, and attempts to point us in the vague direction of sanity.Daniel Sloss's stand-up comedy engages, enrages, offends, unsettles, educates, comforts, and gets audiences roaring with laughter—all at the same time. In his groundbreaking specials, seen ... Read more

Was $8.99 USD Now $7.99 USD

One of this generation's hottest and boldest young comedians presents a transgressive and hilarious analysis of all of our dysfunctional relationships, and attempts to point us in the vague direction of sanity.Daniel Sloss's stand-up comedy engages, enrages, offends, unsettles, educates, comforts, and gets audiences roaring with laughter—all at the same time. In his groundbreaking specials, seen
... Read more
Confessions of a Fat Guy

by Scott Moss ...

I've been heavy starting in the 5th grade. Except for a brief period between 19 and 25 when I was in great shape, I've been overweight. Confessions of a Fat Guy is an autobiography of what it's like to be in a world that sees overweight people differently. They assume we're lazy, out of control, and too sensitive to a tease or a joke about fat people. I'm a big guy. By that I mean tall and big. I ... Read more

$3.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

I've been heavy starting in the 5th grade. Except for a brief period between 19 and 25 when I was in great shape, I've been overweight. Confessions of a Fat Guy is an autobiography of what it's like to be in a world that sees overweight people differently. They assume we're lazy, out of control, and too sensitive to a tease or a joke about fat people. I'm a big guy. By that I mean tall and big. I
... Read more
Sick in the Head

Conversations About Life and Comedy

by Judd Apatow ...

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE A.V. CLUB • Includes new interviews!From the writer and director of Knocked Up and the producer of Freaks and Geeks comes a collection of intimate, hilarious conversations with the biggest names in comedy from the past thirty years—including Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Sarah Silverman, Harold Ramis, Seth Rogen, ... Read more

$8.99 USD

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE A.V. CLUB • Includes new interviews!From the writer and director of Knocked Up and the producer of Freaks and Geeks comes a collection of intimate, hilarious conversations with the biggest names in comedy from the past thirty years—including Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Sarah Silverman, Harold Ramis, Seth Rogen,
... Read more
Weird Al

Seriously

by Lily E. Hirsch ...

From his love of accordions and Hawaiian print shirts to his popular puns and trademark dance moves, "Weird Al" Yankovic has made a career out of making us laugh.Funny music is often dismissed as light and irrelevant, but Yankovic’s fourteen successful studio albums prove there is more going on than comedic music's reputation suggests. In this book, for the first time, the parodies, original ... Read more

$17.99 USD

From his love of accordions and Hawaiian print shirts to his popular puns and trademark dance moves, "Weird Al" Yankovic has made a career out of making us laugh.Funny music is often dismissed as light and irrelevant, but Yankovic’s fourteen successful studio albums prove there is more going on than comedic music's reputation suggests. In this book, for the first time, the parodies, original
... Read more
A Book for Her

by Bridget Christie ...

Bridget Christie is a stand-up comedian, idiot and feminist. On the 30th of April 2012, a man farted in the Women’s Studies Section of a bookshop and it changed her life forever.A Book For Her details Christie’s twelve years of anonymous toil in the bowels of stand-up comedy and the sudden epiphany that made her, unbelievably, one of the most critically acclaimed British stand-up comedians this ... Read more

$13.69 USD

Bridget Christie is a stand-up comedian, idiot and feminist. On the 30th of April 2012, a man farted in the Women’s Studies Section of a bookshop and it changed her life forever.A Book For Her details Christie’s twelve years of anonymous toil in the bowels of stand-up comedy and the sudden epiphany that made her, unbelievably, one of the most critically acclaimed British stand-up comedians this
... Read more
I Tried to Change So You Don't Have To

True Life Lessons

by Loni Love ...

An inspiring, hilarious memoir about learning to resist the pressures of conformity, love yourself for who you are, embrace your flaws, and unlock your true potential.Winner of the African American Literary Award for Memoir!Now cohost of Fox's The Real and SiriusXM's Café Mocha, Loni Love hasn't taken the typical path to becoming America's favorite straight-talking girlfriend and comedian. She was ... Read more

$14.99 USD

An inspiring, hilarious memoir about learning to resist the pressures of conformity, love yourself for who you are, embrace your flaws, and unlock your true potential.Winner of the African American Literary Award for Memoir!Now cohost of Fox's The Real and SiriusXM's Café Mocha, Loni Love hasn't taken the typical path to becoming America's favorite straight-talking girlfriend and comedian. She was
... Read more
You're Better Than Me

A Memoir

by Bonnie McFarlane ...

In the spirit of Mindy Kaling, Kelly Oxford, and Sarah Silverman, a compulsively readable and outrageously funny memoir of growing up as a fish out of water, finding your voice, and embracing your inner crazy-person, from popular actress, writer, and comedian Bonnie McFarlane.It took Bonnie McFarlane a lot of time, effort, and tequila to get to where she is today. Before she starred on Last Comic ... Read more

$14.99 USD

In the spirit of Mindy Kaling, Kelly Oxford, and Sarah Silverman, a compulsively readable and outrageously funny memoir of growing up as a fish out of water, finding your voice, and embracing your inner crazy-person, from popular actress, writer, and comedian Bonnie McFarlane.It took Bonnie McFarlane a lot of time, effort, and tequila to get to where she is today. Before she starred on Last Comic
... Read more
The Improv Illusionist

Using Object Work, Environment, and Physicality in Performance

by David Raitt ...

Object work, environment and physicality are essential for improvisational theatre. Skilled improvisers can draw audiences into the performance by helping them see things that aren't there.The Improv Illusionist is the first book dedicated to physical improv. It reveals why these skills are so important, how to fix bad habits that develop over time and practical techniques for being more physical ... Read more

$22.99 USD

Object work, environment and physicality are essential for improvisational theatre. Skilled improvisers can draw audiences into the performance by helping them see things that aren't there.The Improv Illusionist is the first book dedicated to physical improv. It reveals why these skills are so important, how to fix bad habits that develop over time and practical techniques for being more physical
... Read more
Confessions of a Video Vixen

by Karrine Steffans ...

This is the post-Me Too update to the ahead-of-its-time emotionally charged memoir from a former hip hop music video vixen many women needed to see. Twenty years after she took us beyond the glitz and glamour of celebrity, this powerful survival story of a woman who survived physical abuse, rape, drug and alcohol abuse to then forge a new life is even more triumphant. As the music industry started ... Read more

$7.99 USD

This is the post-Me Too update to the ahead-of-its-time emotionally charged memoir from a former hip hop music video vixen many women needed to see. Twenty years after she took us beyond the glitz and glamour of celebrity, this powerful survival story of a woman who survived physical abuse, rape, drug and alcohol abuse to then forge a new life is even more triumphant. As the music industry started
... 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

$12.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

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
Born Standing Up

A Comic's Life

by Steve Martin ...

Steve Martin's riveting, mega-bestselling, beloved, and highly acclaimed memoir of a life, a vocation, and an era—named one of the ten best nonfiction titles of the year by Time and Entertainment Weekly.In the mid-seventies, Steve Martin exploded onto the comedy scene. By 1978 he was the biggest concert draw in the history of stand-up. In 1981 he quit forever. This book is, in his own words, the ... Read more

$13.99 USD

Steve Martin's riveting, mega-bestselling, beloved, and highly acclaimed memoir of a life, a vocation, and an era—named one of the ten best nonfiction titles of the year by Time and Entertainment Weekly.In the mid-seventies, Steve Martin exploded onto the comedy scene. By 1978 he was the biggest concert draw in the history of stand-up. In 1981 he quit forever. This book is, in his own words, the
... Read more

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