Review by Choice Review
A collection of essays focusing on women's humor. Although the book limits its subject largely to the American experience, its range is otherwise broad. The first three essays are theoretical, examining, for example, why there has been so little recognition of women humorists and women's humor; how women have dealt with their peripheral position in male-dominated society by "carnivalizing" language; and how humor has functioned to bond women. The second section explores and analyzes the work of various American women humor writers (and cartoonists) from the 19th and 20th centuries; the third section concentrates on women performers, from vaudeville, stand-up comedy, television, and film. The work of black and white women, and lesbian and heterosexual women is examined. Written from diverse disciplinary perspectives (e.g., literary theory, psychology, history, and American studies), the essays are clear and well referenced, and they provide a comprehensive overview of a subject rarely discussed.-A. Goldson, Brown University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
