In 100 Years of Laughter: American Comedy in the Twentieth Century, Garry Berman celebrates a beloved genre, revisiting how audiences enjoyed comedy across the decades from vaudeville and radio to film and television, and more. From early pioneers such as Charlie Chaplin to comedy groups like The Three Stooges and trailblazing women such as Lucille Ball to stand-up comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Berman chronicles how everything from new ways of consuming media, political upheaval, changes in taste, and diversity of performers have shaped the comedy landscape of today. He charts an insightful and humorous narrative that features reviews and comments by critics and observers, as well as insights from the comedians themselves. A retrospective on comedy’s most brilliant artists, the book includes fascinating stories and fun tidbits behind not only the top comedians but also those who faded from public attention but are equally deserving of recognition for their comedic contributions. Also discussed are often-overlooked aspects of comedy history from how comedians needed to adapt their skills to advances in technology to how the comedy world responded to major tragedies such as the Pearl Harbor attack and 9/11, and special topics such as the most popular gags, comedy couples, the rise of sitcoms, and the staying power of Saturday Night Live. An essential addition to any comedy afficionado’s collection.
