Comedy Book

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

By: Jesse David Fox

Narrated by: Jesse David Fox

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)

"A sharp, loving, well written exploration and analysis of the art form that makes us smile, helps us relate, and is perpetually mysterious." (Jenny Slate)

From a beloved comedy critic, a wisecracking, heartfelt, and overdue chronicle of comedy’s boom—and its magic.

Comedy is king. From multimillion-dollar TV specials to sold-out stand-up shows and TikTok stardom, comedy has never been more popular, democratized, or influential. Comedians have become organizing forces across culture—as trusted as politicians and as fawned-over as celebrities—yet comedy as an art form has gone under-considered throughout its history, even as it has ascended as a cultural force.

In Comedy Book, Jesse David Fox—the country’s most definitive voice in comedy criticism and someone who, in his own words, “enjoys comedy maybe more than anyone on this planet"—tackles everything you need to know about comedy. Weaving together history and analysis, Fox unravels the genre’s political legacy through an ode to Jon Stewart, interrogates the divide between highbrow and lowbrow via Adam Sandler, and unpacks how marginalized comics create spaces for their communities. Along the way, Fox covers everything from comedy in the age of political correctness and Will Smith’s slap to the right wing’s relationship with comedy and, for Fox, comedy’s ability to heal personal tragedy.

With memorable cameos from Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, John Mulaney, Ali Wong, Kate Berlant, and countless others, Comedy Book is an eye-opening education in how to engage with our most omnipresent art form, a riotous history of American pop culture, and a love letter to laughter.

©2023 Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2023 Jesse David Fox (P)2023 Audible Inc.

Written for me.

Thank you for writing what it is like to be me in 2023. Someday my daughter will read this and hopefully understands WHY her father was a comedy nerd. Or at least what that is.

Excellent!

I’ve been a loyal listener to Jesse David Fox’s podcast for years… this is an amazing book that is a great companion to the pod.

Keep up the good work!!

Hilarious and smart

This book is all that you need to know about comedy and you’ll still be left wanting more.

Amazing work !!

Very thorough explanation, historical facts and insights on the history of comedy. Outstanding!! Will refer back to it often.

A compelling case for the art of comedy

Jesse David Fox is stand up comedy’s most important critic, defender, & champion. This book deftly analyzes the form and makes a strong case for taking it seriously. But in a good way!! Smart, loving, and walking the line between reverent and irreverent with ease.

Great book on COMEDY

I listen to Jesse’s podcast & love it. The book really helped me understand the comedy world better & gave me the confidence to go out & try it!

With deeper understanding comes deeper enjoyment

Jesse David Fox is helping us understand and define the role of contemporary comedy. If you enjoy his good one podcast, I promise you will like this book. If you are interested in creativity, this book provides great insights into the unique creative process of stand-up comedy. Which I think is not unlike the process of painting from direct observation. The standup comedian is literally writing their jokes by performing them over and over, making adjustments to find what works, much the way says on returned again and again, the same themes and painted layer upon layer building up his compositions while looking directly at the object in front of him.

This is a really fun book, but it’s also an important book about a major art form that has a growing influence on our culture

Comedy Book blew me away!

I’m a big fan of comedy and got this book because I like Fox and occasionally listen to his Good One’s podcast. Still, I was skeptical an entire book talking about the history and current state of comedy would hold my interest. Boy, was I wrong! Comedy book is a thought-provoking deep dive into our culture, politics and how comedy has both shaped it and evolved to adapt to it. It examines the negative and positive ripple effects comedy can have to heal and cause harm. It’s emotional, insightful and yes…very funny. Fox’s performance is exceptional. Highly recommended!

Great book about the modern state of comedy

I really enjoy his podcast and his ability to distill a comedians whole act and persona so succinctly. He has a lot of interesting observations and a brief history of the modern era of comedy.

As for criticism I would have liked to hear about more comedians and anecdotes from the many shows he’s attended and interviews he’s done. There was a lot of talk about the right wing and anti woke comedian movement, which is definitely a huge part of the story, especially in recent years. But I would have liked that to not have dominated the second half quite as much.

Overall I’m glad I listened. If you are a fan of comedy to the point you want to hear analysis of it you will enjoy this book most likely.

Comedy nerd heaven

This book is catnip for comedy nerds like me. Capturing the current moment in comedy, trends and comedians, and tracing the history of comedy that has brought us here, Fox is a expert on the subject of comedy. He’s engaging and thoughtful and gives the listener a lot to ponder. I loved this book!