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The Comic Toolbox

How to be Funny Even if You're Not

by John Vorhaus ...

Comedy is not magic, not inspiration, not a “gift.” Mostly, it’s simple rules and structures—the logic of the illogical—tools that anyone can use.The Comic Toolbox is a straightforward, often humorous, workbook approach to comedy writing as creative problem solving. In it, veteran Hollywood comedy writer John Vorhaus offers his tools of the trade to writers, comics, and anyone else who wants to be ... Read more

$9.99 USD

Comedy is not magic, not inspiration, not a “gift.” Mostly, it’s simple rules and structures—the logic of the illogical—tools that anyone can use.The Comic Toolbox is a straightforward, often humorous, workbook approach to comedy writing as creative problem solving. In it, veteran Hollywood comedy writer John Vorhaus offers his tools of the trade to writers, comics, and anyone else who wants to be
... 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

$9.99 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
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

$25.69 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
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
Harpo Speaks!

by Harpo Marx, Rowland Barber ...

First published in 1961, this is the autobiography of Harpo Marx, the silent comedian of The Marx Brothers fame.Writing of his life before, during, and after becoming famous by incorporating lovely and humorous stories and anecdotes, Harp Marx tells of growing up in a rough neighborhood and being poor, being bullied and dropping out of school, teaching himself to read, write, tell time, and to ... Read more

$5.00 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

First published in 1961, this is the autobiography of Harpo Marx, the silent comedian of The Marx Brothers fame.Writing of his life before, during, and after becoming famous by incorporating lovely and humorous stories and anecdotes, Harp Marx tells of growing up in a rough neighborhood and being poor, being bullied and dropping out of school, teaching himself to read, write, tell time, and to
... 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

$15.99 USD

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
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

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
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

$22.19 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
Shatner Rules

Your Guide to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large

by William Shatner, Chris Regan ...

A guide to understanding the Shatnerverse and the world at large—the perfect gift for Star Trek fans and William Shatner lovers.You love William Shatner. You admire his many and varied talents. You appreciate his creativity and willingness to take risks. You want to learn his master negotiation techniques. You wish you could hang out with him. Admit it. You want to BE William Shatner. And now.. ... Read more

$6.99 USD

A guide to understanding the Shatnerverse and the world at large—the perfect gift for Star Trek fans and William Shatner lovers.You love William Shatner. You admire his many and varied talents. You appreciate his creativity and willingness to take risks. You want to learn his master negotiation techniques. You wish you could hang out with him. Admit it. You want to BE William Shatner. And now..
... 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
Gasping for Airtime

Two Years in the Trenches of Saturday Night Live

by Jay Mohr ...

When 21-year-old Jay Mohr moved from New Jersey to New York City to pursue his dream of stand-up stardom, he never thought the first real job he'd land would be on Saturday Night Live. But, surprisingly, that's just what he did. What followed were two unbelievable, grueling, and exciting years of feverishly keeping pace with his talented cohorts, out-maneuvering the notorious vices that claimed ... Read more

$12.99 USD

When 21-year-old Jay Mohr moved from New Jersey to New York City to pursue his dream of stand-up stardom, he never thought the first real job he'd land would be on Saturday Night Live. But, surprisingly, that's just what he did. What followed were two unbelievable, grueling, and exciting years of feverishly keeping pace with his talented cohorts, out-maneuvering the notorious vices that claimed
... Read more
Saturday Night

A Backstage History of Saturday Night Live

by Doug Hill, Jeff Weingrad ...

The New 50th Anniversary Edition of Saturday Night“It reads like a thriller, and may be the best book ever written about television.”— Associated Press“A chilling real-life cliffhanger.”— Washington Post“An anthropological masterpiece.”— Vanity FairDiscover the intimate and original history of Saturday Night Live in Saturday Night. From its ... ... Read more

$14.99 USD

The New 50th Anniversary Edition of Saturday Night“It reads like a thriller, and may be the best book ever written about television.”— Associated Press“A chilling real-life cliffhanger.”— Washington Post“An anthropological masterpiece.”— Vanity FairDiscover the intimate and original history of Saturday Night Live in Saturday Night. From its ...
... Read more
Going Long

The Art of Long-Form Improvisation for Stage and Screen

by Jo McGinley ...

Improvisational comedy has exploded over the last several decades. But the short, game-based version of improv—as seen on shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway?—is of little help when it comes to successfully pulling off long-form improvisation. Long-form provides exciting new challenges and opportunities for improvisational performers that go beyond comedy. It demands an expanded skill set, careful ... Read more

$18.79 USD

Improvisational comedy has exploded over the last several decades. But the short, game-based version of improv—as seen on shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway?—is of little help when it comes to successfully pulling off long-form improvisation. Long-form provides exciting new challenges and opportunities for improvisational performers that go beyond comedy. It demands an expanded skill set, careful
... 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

Was $14.99 USD Now $12.99 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
More Fool Me

A Memoir

by Stephen Fry ...

The British comedian recounts the highs and lows of his wild years: "A gifted writer with a perfect sense of comic timing and anecdote-spinning . . . Lots of fun." — Kirkus ReviewsBy his early thirties, Stephen Fry—writer, comedian, star of stage and screen—had, as they say, "made it." Much loved on British television, author of a critically acclaimed and bestselling first novel, with a glamorous ... Read more

$12.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

The British comedian recounts the highs and lows of his wild years: "A gifted writer with a perfect sense of comic timing and anecdote-spinning . . . Lots of fun." — Kirkus ReviewsBy his early thirties, Stephen Fry—writer, comedian, star of stage and screen—had, as they say, "made it." Much loved on British television, author of a critically acclaimed and bestselling first novel, with a glamorous
... Read more
Show Dog

The Charmed Life and Trying Times of a Near-Perfect Purebred

by Josh Dean ...

Journalist Josh Dean tells the story of a loveable Australian Shepherd, Jack, on his novice tour through the exciting world of professional dog showing, following Jack from his first competitions in local school gymnasiums all the way to the great granddaddy of them all, the Westminster Dog Show. A veteran journalist, Dean shines a warm, steady light on the trials that Jack and his plucky, ... Read more

$15.99 USD

Journalist Josh Dean tells the story of a loveable Australian Shepherd, Jack, on his novice tour through the exciting world of professional dog showing, following Jack from his first competitions in local school gymnasiums all the way to the great granddaddy of them all, the Westminster Dog Show. A veteran journalist, Dean shines a warm, steady light on the trials that Jack and his plucky,
... Read more
I'll Show Myself Out

Essays on Midlife and Motherhood

by Jessi Klein ...

An instant New York Times bestseller, I'll Show Myself Out is the eagerly anticipated second essay collection from Jessi Klein, author of the acclaimed debut You’ll Grow Out of It.Longlisted for the PEN Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay“Sometimes I think about how much bad news there is to tell my kid, the endlessly long, looping CVS receipt scroll of truly terrible things that ... Read more

Was $14.99 USD Now $4.99 USD

An instant New York Times bestseller, I'll Show Myself Out is the eagerly anticipated second essay collection from Jessi Klein, author of the acclaimed debut You’ll Grow Out of It.Longlisted for the PEN Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay“Sometimes I think about how much bad news there is to tell my kid, the endlessly long, looping CVS receipt scroll of truly terrible things that
... Read more
Hell in a Handbag

by Jibz Cameron ...

The debut memoir from the unhinged queer genius known as Dynasty Handbag.A freak’s freak, iconoclast performance artist Jibz Cameron is best known for her multimedia act Dynasty Handbag, an alter ego lampooning the tragic absurdity of heterosexuality, queerness, the female body, capitalism, depression, art making, and life itself. With her debut memoir Hell in a Handbag, Cameron traces her warped ... Read more

$13.99 USD

The debut memoir from the unhinged queer genius known as Dynasty Handbag.A freak’s freak, iconoclast performance artist Jibz Cameron is best known for her multimedia act Dynasty Handbag, an alter ego lampooning the tragic absurdity of heterosexuality, queerness, the female body, capitalism, depression, art making, and life itself. With her debut memoir Hell in a Handbag, Cameron traces her warped
... Read more
Creating Comedy Narratives for Stage and Screen

by Chris Head ...

This accessible and engaging text covering sketch, sitcom and comedy drama, alongside improvisation and stand-up, brings together a panoply of tools and techniques for creating short and long-form comedy narratives for live performance, TV and online.Referencing a broad range of comedy from both sides of the Atlantic, spanning several decades and including material on contemporary internet ... Read more

$26.49 USD

This accessible and engaging text covering sketch, sitcom and comedy drama, alongside improvisation and stand-up, brings together a panoply of tools and techniques for creating short and long-form comedy narratives for live performance, TV and online.Referencing a broad range of comedy from both sides of the Atlantic, spanning several decades and including material on contemporary internet
... 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

$17.09 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

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