Humor Ancient

What if the secret to timeless humor was buried in the ruins of Rome, etched on scrolls, whispered in the agora, or passed down by philosophers with a wicked sense of irony? In Secrets of Ancient Humor, Lucius Aurelius revives the comedic genius of the ancients—so you can master the art of joke-telling that’s endured for millennia. From the sharp satire of Aristophanes to the dry wit of Seneca, this practical and entertaining guide reveals how ancient humor still slaps (and why).

Get ready for a thrilling adventure! Meet Eliza Bennett, a brilliant scientist with a knack for textiles, and her ever-present, ever-sarcastic orange cat companion, Merlin. Their ordinary lab days, filled with microscopes and the occasional cat hair, are shattered by an urgent discovery in the Amazon.Imagine a plant with fibers stronger than Kevlar, as flexible as cotton, and miraculously self-healing! This could revolutionize everything from clothing to medicine. But when Eliza is called to analyze this Flor de la Eternidad—Flower of Eternity—she uncovers more than just groundbreaking ...

Can jokes win a hostile room, a hopeless argument, or even an election? You bet they can, according to Cicero, and he knew what he was talking about. One of Rome's greatest politicians, speakers, and lawyers, Cicero was also reputedly one of antiquity's funniest people. After he was elected commander-in-chief and head of state, his enemies even started calling him "the stand-up Consul". How to Tell a Joke provides a lively new translation of Cicero's essential writing on humor alongside that of the later Roman orator and educator Quintilian.

Ra the Mighty adores his duties as Pharaoh's cat: naps by the pool and plenty of snacks. Being lazy is so much fun. But when a royal tomb gets robbed, Ra and his hardworking friend Khepri must team up to restore justice. The clues point to a young boy whom Ra admires. Will the Great Detective play favorites, or will he uncover the truth? Mystery awaits!

Ra the Mighty is Pharaoh's Cat, Lord of the Powerful Paw. He is not Ra the Royal Babysitter. How's a cat supposed to fit in all his snacks and naps when his charges keep getting into mischief? Ra's new job only gets harder on a voyage up the Nile, leading to a fearsome palace where crocodiles swarm the waters. Then Pharaoh's son disappears. Has he run away? Has he been eaten by crocodiles? Has he been kidnapped, or worse? Ra and his fellow Great Detectives, Khepri and Miu, set out to discover the truth, but the palace is home to many secrets.

Digging up Trouble...Hank the Cowdog is on the case in his 50th mystery, and it's an extra long, laugh-out-loud adventure! When Hank gets invited, that is, invites himself on an archaeological dig, all he can think about is impressing the head scientist's beautiful lady dog. But Hank's heart isn't the only thing that's about to get stolen!

A classic comedy by the great Oscar Wilde. The Importance of Being Earnest is his short farce consisting of numerous noms de plume, a case of mistaken identity, an identity left in a case by mistake, and the mistake of revealing ones identity in the presence of a previous employer, which may result post-script in a case for Scotland Yard. Or to put much more simply, of Jack and his attempts to woo Gwendolyn, his would-be bride... even if she does seem to think his name is Earnest.

Theodosia Throckmorton has her hands full at the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. Her father may be head curator, but it is Theoand only Theowho is able to see all the black magic and ancient curses that still cling to the artifacts in the museum. Sneaking behind her fathers back, Theo uses old, nearly forgotten Egyptian magic to remove the curses and protect her father and the rest of the museum employees from the ancient, sinister forces that lurk in the museums dark hallways.

Twelve-year-old Addison Cooke just wishes something exciting would happen to him. His aunt and uncle, both world-famous researchers, travel to the ends of the earth searching for hidden treasure, dodging dangerous robbers along the way, while Addison is stuck in school all day. Luckily for Addison, adventure has a way of finding the Cookes.

Fresh off of a victorious treasure hunt and rescue mission in South America, Addison Cooke just can't seem to steer clear of rogue bandits, pesky booby traps, and secret treasure troves. Addison's aunt and uncle, on the other hand, are none too happy about their habit of attracting kidnappers. When they become pawns in a dangerous gang's plan to steal the most prized possession of the notorious Mongolian leader Genghis Khan, Addison and his friends find themselves once again caught in the middle of a multi-million-dollar international heist.

They were pranksters. They were the best of friends. And they both loved a good mystery. And now Sherlock Holmes and Walt Whitman, the budding poet, are going to try and solve the greatest mystery of their lives: How does a mouse run up a clock? A shocking tale of innocence and a dark mystery that unfolds from a whimsy into a mystery of terror and suspense... That only courage and the right deductions can solve the mystery and save them

Daniel O'Dwyer, ex-hospital pharmacist, accidental detective is back. Content to be unemployed and spend his days in the sun and sand of his Oak Island paradise, Daniel is once again drawn back to the local hospital and the mysteries that surround it. Construction on the hospital grounds unearths human remains, which are quickly dismissed as being part of a Native American burial ground. A young, clumsy medical resident who runs into Daniel, thinks otherwise. Meanwhile, Daniel's socially imbalanced sidekick, Willie, has a problem of his own.

Petronius’ Satyricon is a rampant and vivacious Roman adventure dating back to the first century, during the reign of Nero. It follows the exploits of Encolpius, an impoverished ex-gladiator, and his boy-lover Giton. The action is fleet and the narrative sweeping: over the course of their journey we meet a host of lewd and comical rogues, including beggars, prostitutes, poets, sodomites, and pedants, and witness many strange and curious events, including a remarkably vulgar multi-course feast, hosted by the pompous nouveau riche Trimalchio

This anthology contains five short stories previously published in READING for Christian Schools Grade 6 (Bob Jones University Press 1988), updated for a new generation of readers, with plenty of new illustrations. Black and White interior and a full-cover cover. “Val is For Valiant” - An ordinary boy has an extraordinary dream that changes his life. “The Monument” - A game of tag turns into a journey of discovery and danger “Brethren Nisei” - A white American boy watches his Japanese friends undergo persecution during the war “Antarctica” - Two brothers help their uncle ...

Dear Readers, Thank you for choosing this book! Before diving in, please note: this is NOT a children’s book. If you purchased this expecting a festive tale for little ones, please reconsider—this story was written with an adult audience in mind. Think of it as a glimpse into the real North Pole—without the sugarcoating. The characters here are as human as the rest of us, with all the complexities and imperfections that come with it. You’ll find adult language and themes that aren’t suitable for younger readers. You’ve been warned! Now, let’s dive into the story... The North ...

Everyone's favorite vampire detective is back in a brand-new short story! (Plus two bonus stories!) Included in this collection: "Moon Musings" - Samantha Moon is back and...blogging? Turns out the vampire mama has a lot to say on the subject of life, death, and fighting demons. And what better outlet than in an anonymous blog? For those who want to know what's really on a vampire's mind... "Moon Memories" - He's a new client with lots of questions. She's a vampire feeling oddly chatty. Is he ready for the answers? "Moon Quiz" - It's a quiz in a magazine, meant to entertain and perhaps kill...

He worked seven years for the love of his life... and woke up married to her sister. Oops. Jacob just wanted a fresh start, a fair deal, and maybe a chance at romance. Instead, he ends up in a family full of secrets, switches, and sheep with attitude. One dazzling woman has his heart. The other? His surprise honeymoon. Set in the dusty hills of ancient Mesopotamia (with a twist of modern humor), The Wrong Wife is a mini biblical romcom retelling the famously tangled love story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah—complete with sibling rivalry, awkward wedding nights, divine drama, and a goat named ...

How much excitement can one provincial priest take? Gregory Dumple is about to find out!Dumple struggles through his dull existence—the daily routine of funerals and heartburn aren’t anyone’s idea of fun. A mysterious beep from the church’s organ will change Dumple’s life forever, but he has no idea he’s experiencing the first piece of an extraterrestrial puzzle. Curiosity catapults him and confirmation student Ronny into a wild adventure among the stars. Dumple must uncover the secrets of an ancient alien civilization, play the hero and thwart an alien takeover with an ...

From a smelly watering hole deep in the heart of the Serengeti to the ferocious clamor of the Colosseum, join Julius Zebra and his motley menagerie of friends as they gear up to be...GLADIATORS! Only if they win the love of the Roman crowds will they win back their freedom. But do Julius and his pals have what it takes to succeed in a world where only the meanest and toughest survive?

The pratfall of the Roman Empire. Toss together one skittish outsider with the swaggering ruler of the known world. Whip in a generous serving of deadly chases, spy rings and desperate disguises. And enjoy the most deranged Caesar salad ever served up. To stay alive, two unexpected companions will need to unite their entirely opposing urges. While facing unthinkable peril. To say nothing of the trash chute, bridal costume and first-ever texting scandal. The mayhem promises astonishing revelations for both of them. About courage, friendship and surprise identities. They first just need to ...