Jewish Comedy

A Serious History

By: Jeremy Dauber

Narrated by: Jeremy Dauber

In a major work of scholarship both erudite and very funny, Jeremy Dauber traces the origins of Jewish comedy and its development from Biblical times to the age of Twitter.

Organizing his book thematically into what he calls the seven strands of Jewish comedy - including the satirical, the witty, and the vulgar - Dauber explores the ways Jewish comedy has dealt with persecution, assimilation, and diaspora through the ages. He explains the rise and fall of popular comic archetypes such as the Jewish mother, the JAP, and the schlemiel and schlimazel. And he explores an enormous range of comic masterpieces, from the Book of Esther, Talmudic rabbi jokes, Yiddish satires, Borscht Belt skits, Seinfeld, and Curb Your Enthusiasm to the work of such masters as Sholem Aleichem, Franz Kafka, the Marx Brothers, Woody Allen, Joan Rivers, Philip Roth, Sarah Silverman, and Jon Stewart.

©2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Really makes you think about the origins of comedy

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. There were connections made with ancient comedy that put several theological thoughts in a completely different light. It really makes you think about all that has come before as the basis of Jewish Comedy.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Mr. Dauber has a fabulous understanding of the medium and it's history. The tone is lighthearted, but very intellectually stimulating.

Light and delight

A nice short delight book, cracked me multiple times and conveyed itself messages and historical information pleasantly.
I liked this book.

My favorite book!

And that’s saying something, because I really love books.

The author loves his subject, and his People. You can truly sense it. He brings to us the benefit of a vast Jewish literacy as manifest in the Book of Genesis, the Book of Esther, the Talmud, Jewish secular literature, all of which accompanied us through Diasporas and to our sovereignty in Israel. The scope is vast, and yet he pulls it all together with skill with sensitivity and authenticity. I highly recommend this not only as a history of Jewish comedy, but also as a history of Jewish life and the values that frequently conflict in Jewish living. It is a history less of Jewish Comedy than it is of Jewish Laughter.

Fine reflections

Many good insights into humor in general and specifically to the Jewish experience. Good listen.

Excellent research

A historically accurate dive into jewish american humor, with depth in which regards class, gender and pop culture.