Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor

John Morreall

Wiley, Nov 19, 2009 - Literary Criticism - 208 pages

Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor develops an inclusive theory that integrates psychological, aesthetic, and ethical issues relating to humor

• Offers an enlightening and accessible foray into the serious business of humor
• Reveals how standard theories of humor fail to explain its true nature and actually support traditional prejudices against humor as being antisocial, irrational, and foolish
• Argues that humor’s benefits overlap significantly with those of philosophy
• Includes a foreword by Robert Mankoff, Cartoon Editor of The New Yorker

About the author

John Morreall’s previous publications include Taking Laughter Seriously (1983); The Philosophy of Laughter and Humor (1987); Humor Works (1997); and Comedy, Tragedy, and Religion (1999). In 2004 and 2005, he was elected President of the International Society for Humor Studies. His work has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Economist.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor; New Directions in Aesthetics
• Author: John Morreall
• Publisher: Wiley, 2009
• ISBN: 1444307800, 9781444307801
• Length: 208 pages
• Subjects: Literary Criticism / Humor; Philosophy / General