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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
You Don't Have to Have a Dream

And Other Life Lessons

by Tim Minchin ...

A whimsically illustrated celebration of life, art, success, kindness, love, and thriving in a meaningless universe, drawn from three iconic graduation speeches from beloved comedian Tim Minchin in a unique blend of Charlie Mackesy meets Kurt Vonnegut.Journey into life’s quirky truths with comedian Tim Minchin in this illustrated nonfiction book, that infuses his renowned comic flare with ... Read more

Was $10.99 USD Now $1.99 USD

A whimsically illustrated celebration of life, art, success, kindness, love, and thriving in a meaningless universe, drawn from three iconic graduation speeches from beloved comedian Tim Minchin in a unique blend of Charlie Mackesy meets Kurt Vonnegut.Journey into life’s quirky truths with comedian Tim Minchin in this illustrated nonfiction book, that infuses his renowned comic flare with
... Read more
Johnny Carson

by Henry Bushkin ...

"A close look at how show business power corrupts . . . The dishiest read of the year." – Janet Maslin, "Ten Favorite Books of the Year," New York Times "Here’s Johnny!" Probably everyone in America knows the phrase, whether they watched every episode of The Tonight Show or none because they had to go to bed early on school nights. From 1962 to 1992, Johnny Carson and his Tonight Show dominated ... Read more

$9.99 USD

"A close look at how show business power corrupts . . . The dishiest read of the year." – Janet Maslin, "Ten Favorite Books of the Year," New York Times "Here’s Johnny!" Probably everyone in America knows the phrase, whether they watched every episode of The Tonight Show or none because they had to go to bed early on school nights. From 1962 to 1992, Johnny Carson and his Tonight Show dominated
... Read more
How to Talk Dirty and Influence People

An Autobiography

by Lenny Bruce, Lewis Black ...

The classic autobiography from the prescient, influential, and controversial American stand-up comic.Featuring a new preface by comedian Lewis Black and a new foreword by jazz critic Howard Reich"I read this book for the first time when I was twelve years old. It made me want to be in showbiz, have a lot of sex, and be Jewish. I've rethought that last one." —Penn Jillette, author of God No!<p... ... Read more

$12.99 USD

The classic autobiography from the prescient, influential, and controversial American stand-up comic.Featuring a new preface by comedian Lewis Black and a new foreword by jazz critic Howard Reich"I read this book for the first time when I was twelve years old. It made me want to be in showbiz, have a lot of sex, and be Jewish. I've rethought that last one." —Penn Jillette, author of God No!<p...
... 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
The Office BFFs

Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There

by Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey ...

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * One of Esquire's Best Celebrity Memoirs of All TimeAn intimate, behind-the-scenes, richly illustrated celebration of beloved The Office co-stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey’s friendship, and an insiders' view of Pam Beesly, Angela Martin, and the iconic TV show. Featuring many of their never-before-seen photos.Receptionist Pam Beesly and accountant Angela ... Read more

$17.99 USD

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * One of Esquire's Best Celebrity Memoirs of All TimeAn intimate, behind-the-scenes, richly illustrated celebration of beloved The Office co-stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey’s friendship, and an insiders' view of Pam Beesly, Angela Martin, and the iconic TV show. Featuring many of their never-before-seen photos.Receptionist Pam Beesly and accountant Angela
... 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
Confessions of a Window Cleaner

by Timothy Lea ...

Series Book 1 - Confessions
It always took longer to clean the inside of the windows…Available for the first time on ebook, the classic sex comedy from the 70s.Timothy Lea is asked to be a window cleaner by his brother-in-law Sid, and he helps to satisfy all of his customers… in whatever way is necessary.Viv preferred a man with experience.Dorothy was a little careless with her underclothes.Mrs Armstrong provided tea and ... Read more

$0.99 USD

It always took longer to clean the inside of the windows…Available for the first time on ebook, the classic sex comedy from the 70s.Timothy Lea is asked to be a window cleaner by his brother-in-law Sid, and he helps to satisfy all of his customers… in whatever way is necessary.Viv preferred a man with experience.Dorothy was a little careless with her underclothes.Mrs Armstrong provided tea and
... Read more
If I Don’t Write It Nobody Else Will

by Eric Sykes ...

The long awaited story of one of Britain’s greatest comic legends.'Some people walk on stage and the audience warms to them. You can't explain it, and you shouldn't try. It's an arrogant assumption to say you 'decide' to become a comedian. The audience decides for you.' Eric Sykes, December 2001From his early days writing scripts for Bill Fraser and Frankie Howerd through decades of British radio ... Read more

$2.99 USD

The long awaited story of one of Britain’s greatest comic legends.'Some people walk on stage and the audience warms to them. You can't explain it, and you shouldn't try. It's an arrogant assumption to say you 'decide' to become a comedian. The audience decides for you.' Eric Sykes, December 2001From his early days writing scripts for Bill Fraser and Frankie Howerd through decades of British radio
... 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
We Had a Little Real Estate Problem

The Unheralded Story of Native Americans & Comedy

by Kliph Nesteroff ...

*A Best Book of the Year by NPR and Esquire*"A remarkable book." —Steve Martin"An illumating and stereotype-busting history of Native Americans and comedy" (The Washington Post) from Kliph Nesteroff, “the human encyclopedia of comedy” (VICE).It was one of the most reliable jokes in Charlie Hill’s stand-up routine: “My people are from Wisconsin. We used to be from New York.... ... Read more

$13.99 USD

*A Best Book of the Year by NPR and Esquire*"A remarkable book." —Steve Martin"An illumating and stereotype-busting history of Native Americans and comedy" (The Washington Post) from Kliph Nesteroff, “the human encyclopedia of comedy” (VICE).It was one of the most reliable jokes in Charlie Hill’s stand-up routine: “My people are from Wisconsin. We used to be from New York....
... Read more
Is This Anything?

by Jerry Seinfeld ...

The first book in twenty-five years from “one of our great comic minds” (The Washington Post) features Seinfeld’s best work across five decades in comedy.Since his first performance at the legendary New York nightclub “Catch a Rising Star” as a twenty-one-year-old college student in fall of 1975, Jerry Seinfeld has written his own material and saved everything. “Whenever I came up with a funny bit ... Read more

$13.99 USD

The first book in twenty-five years from “one of our great comic minds” (The Washington Post) features Seinfeld’s best work across five decades in comedy.Since his first performance at the legendary New York nightclub “Catch a Rising Star” as a twenty-one-year-old college student in fall of 1975, Jerry Seinfeld has written his own material and saved everything. “Whenever I came up with a funny bit
... 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
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
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
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
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
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
Thatcher Stole My Trousers

by Alexei Sayle ...

'Enlightening … Funny, smart, original and provocative ... It is hard to imagine the stalwarts of Mock the Weekrecognising the Druze militia leader Walid Jumblatt in a London cinema' NEW STATESMAN'Few standups have come close to capturing a fraction of this creative energy in a book … Alexei Sayle is an exception' GUARDIAN"What I brou... ... Read more

$14.99 USD

'Enlightening … Funny, smart, original and provocative ... It is hard to imagine the stalwarts of Mock the Weekrecognising the Druze militia leader Walid Jumblatt in a London cinema' NEW STATESMAN'Few standups have come close to capturing a fraction of this creative energy in a book … Alexei Sayle is an exception' GUARDIAN"What I brou...
... 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
When Caesar Was King

How Sid Caesar Reinvented American Comedy

by David Margolick ...

**FINALIST FOR THE PEN/JACQUELINE BOGRAD WELD AWARD FOR BIOGRAPHY • FINALIST FOR THE MARFIELD PRIZE • FEATURED ON CBS SUNDAY MORNING • From longtime New York Times and Vanity Fair writer David Margolick comes the first definitive biography of Sid Caesar: founding father of television comedy and icon to generations of Americans.“Whip smart. . . . A nuanced appreciation of Caesar’s comedy and the ... Read more

$14.99 USD

**FINALIST FOR THE PEN/JACQUELINE BOGRAD WELD AWARD FOR BIOGRAPHY • FINALIST FOR THE MARFIELD PRIZE • FEATURED ON CBS SUNDAY MORNING • From longtime New York Times and Vanity Fair writer David Margolick comes the first definitive biography of Sid Caesar: founding father of television comedy and icon to generations of Americans.“Whip smart. . . . A nuanced appreciation of Caesar’s comedy and the
... Read more

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