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Jester Prince

How The Flying Karamazov Brothers Reinvented Theatre & Saved the World, Almost

by Howard Jay Patterson ...

Jester Prince is the story of The Flying Karamazov Brothers comedy/theatre/musical/juggling troupe and their rise from San Francisco street corners and Renaissance Fairs to Broadway, television, film, and Carnegie Hall. It traces how the author's Ashkenazi and Scots-Irish ancestry launched him into a childhood in suburban Los Angeles just as the Hippie Revolution exploded, inspiring a biology ... Read more

$9.99 USD

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Jester Prince is the story of The Flying Karamazov Brothers comedy/theatre/musical/juggling troupe and their rise from San Francisco street corners and Renaissance Fairs to Broadway, television, film, and Carnegie Hall. It traces how the author's Ashkenazi and Scots-Irish ancestry launched him into a childhood in suburban Los Angeles just as the Hippie Revolution exploded, inspiring a biology
... Read more
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
Bonkers

My Life in Laughs

by Jennifer Saunders ...

THE HILARIOUS, TOUCHING LIFE STORY OF THE ICONIC COMEDIAN AND NATIONAL TREASURE'Fabulous? Yes. Funny? Absolutely' Mail on SundayJennifer Saunders' comic creations have brought joy to millions. From Comic Strip to Comic Relief, from Bolly-swilling Edina in Ab Fab to her takes on Madonna or Mamma Mia, her characters are household names.But it's Jennifer herself who has a place in all our hearts. ... Read more

$11.59 USD

THE HILARIOUS, TOUCHING LIFE STORY OF THE ICONIC COMEDIAN AND NATIONAL TREASURE'Fabulous? Yes. Funny? Absolutely' Mail on SundayJennifer Saunders' comic creations have brought joy to millions. From Comic Strip to Comic Relief, from Bolly-swilling Edina in Ab Fab to her takes on Madonna or Mamma Mia, her characters are household names.But it's Jennifer herself who has a place in all our hearts.
... Read more
Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?

A Comedian's Guide to Autism

by Pierre Novellie ...

*Nominated for Best Book at the 2025 Chortle Awards*'Outstanding, I want to press it into the hands of every newly diagnosed person' Fern Brady'Like a Martian's guide to living on Earth. Funny, enlightening and gobsmacking' Frank Skinner'A hilarious, crystal-clear guide to autism' Phil Wang'An illuminating and joyously entertaining book' Daily ExpressWhy wer... ... Read more

$9.59 USD

*Nominated for Best Book at the 2025 Chortle Awards*'Outstanding, I want to press it into the hands of every newly diagnosed person' Fern Brady'Like a Martian's guide to living on Earth. Funny, enlightening and gobsmacking' Frank Skinner'A hilarious, crystal-clear guide to autism' Phil Wang'An illuminating and joyously entertaining book' Daily ExpressWhy wer...
... Read more
Comedy Nerd

A Lifelong Obsession in Stories and Pictures

by Judd Apatow ...

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An intimate, rollicking highly-visual memoir of a comedic genius that offers a rare glimpse into the creative life and inner workings of legendary director producer Judd Apatow through never-before-seen photos, letters and behind-the-scenes stories“Judd Apatow has put together an amazing scrapbook of his life and career. The best part? There’s a lot of pictures. And the stuff ... Read more

$14.99 USD

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An intimate, rollicking highly-visual memoir of a comedic genius that offers a rare glimpse into the creative life and inner workings of legendary director producer Judd Apatow through never-before-seen photos, letters and behind-the-scenes stories“Judd Apatow has put together an amazing scrapbook of his life and career. The best part? There’s a lot of pictures. And the stuff
... 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
Thinking About It Only Makes It Worse

And Other Lessons from Modern Life

by David Mitchell ...

THE SUNDAY TIMES-BESTSELLING BOOK BY ONE OF BRITAIN'S BEST-LOVED COMIC WRITERS**Pre-order now: David Mitchell's new book Dishonesty is the Second-best Policy**There are many aspects of modern life that trouble award-winning comedian David Mitchell, such as:Why is every film or TV programme a sequel or a remake?Why are people so f***ing hung up about swearing?Why do ... ... Read more

$11.89 USD

THE SUNDAY TIMES-BESTSELLING BOOK BY ONE OF BRITAIN'S BEST-LOVED COMIC WRITERS**Pre-order now: David Mitchell's new book Dishonesty is the Second-best Policy**There are many aspects of modern life that trouble award-winning comedian David Mitchell, such as:Why is every film or TV programme a sequel or a remake?Why are people so f***ing hung up about swearing?Why do ...
... Read more
Instant Songwriting:Musical Improv from Dunce to Diva Part 3 (Distinguished Level)

by Nancy Howland Walker ...

Instant Songwriting is the ultimate how-to book for musical improvisers and an excellent resource for songwriters. With over two decades of musical improv experience, Nancy Howland Walker guides you with clear, logical and fun step-by-step exercises, from the very basics of putting a song together, to highly advanced song techniques.Whether you are new to the art form or experienced, your songs ... Read more

$3.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

Instant Songwriting is the ultimate how-to book for musical improvisers and an excellent resource for songwriters. With over two decades of musical improv experience, Nancy Howland Walker guides you with clear, logical and fun step-by-step exercises, from the very basics of putting a song together, to highly advanced song techniques.Whether you are new to the art form or experienced, your songs
... Read more
Yes, And...Then What?

A Practical Guide to Long-Form Improv and Spontaneous Creativity

by Kimmy Sunday ...

Master "Yes, And..." & Unleash Your Spontaneous Creative Power!Ever been mesmerized by improvisers who craft entire worlds, unforgettable characters, and laugh-out-loud (or deeply moving) stories from a single audience suggestion? Wonder how they confidently navigate the unknown and transform it into pure gold? Yes, And...Then What?: A Practical Guide to Long-Form Improv and Spontaneous Creativity ... Read more

$5.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

Master "Yes, And..." & Unleash Your Spontaneous Creative Power!Ever been mesmerized by improvisers who craft entire worlds, unforgettable characters, and laugh-out-loud (or deeply moving) stories from a single audience suggestion? Wonder how they confidently navigate the unknown and transform it into pure gold? Yes, And...Then What?: A Practical Guide to Long-Form Improv and Spontaneous Creativity
... Read more
The Principles of Comedy Improv

Truths, Tales, and How to Improvise

by Tom Blank ...

The Principles of Comedy Improv is an authoritative handbook for beginners and experts alike. More than just entertainment, improv’s tenets enable you to change every moment of your life. Your guide is Tom Blank, who crystallizes two decades of experience to convey improv in unparalleled scope, depth, and fun. ... Read more

$17.99 USD

The Principles of Comedy Improv is an authoritative handbook for beginners and experts alike. More than just entertainment, improv’s tenets enable you to change every moment of your life. Your guide is Tom Blank, who crystallizes two decades of experience to convey improv in unparalleled scope, depth, and fun.
... Read more
Instant Songwriting: Musical Improv from Dunce to Diva Part 4 (Diva Level)

by Nancy Howland Walker ...

This is the fourth and final part in the "Instant Songwriting" series - the ultimate how-to guide for musical improvisers and an excellent resource for songwriters. With over two decades of musical improv experience, Nancy Howland Walker guides you with clear, logical and fun step-by-step exercises, from the very basics of putting a song together, to highly advanced song techniques.Whether you are ... Read more

$3.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

This is the fourth and final part in the "Instant Songwriting" series - the ultimate how-to guide for musical improvisers and an excellent resource for songwriters. With over two decades of musical improv experience, Nancy Howland Walker guides you with clear, logical and fun step-by-step exercises, from the very basics of putting a song together, to highly advanced song techniques.Whether you are
... Read more
Long-Form Improv

The Complete Guide to Creating Characters, Sustaining Scenes, and Performing Extraordinary Harolds

by Ben Hauck ...

Long-Form Improv deftly teaches the wildly popular form of improvisation that is so foundational to the comedy stylings of many of today’s top actors and thriving comedians. Crammed with innovative ideas for conceptualizing improvised scenework and “finding the game of the scene,” this crisply written manual covers techniques for experienced improvisers, curious actors, and even non-actors.A ... Read more

$11.99 USD

Long-Form Improv deftly teaches the wildly popular form of improvisation that is so foundational to the comedy stylings of many of today’s top actors and thriving comedians. Crammed with innovative ideas for conceptualizing improvised scenework and “finding the game of the scene,” this crisply written manual covers techniques for experienced improvisers, curious actors, and even non-actors.A
... Read more
Improvisation for the Theater

A Handbook of Teaching and Directing Techniques [1963 ed.]

by Viola Spolin ...

Viola Spolin's improvisational techniques changed the very nature and practice of modern theater. The first two editions of Improvisation for the Theater sold more than 100,000 copies and inspired actors, directors, teachers, and writers in theater, television, film. These techniques have also influenced the fields of education, mental health, social work, and psychology.—Print ed. ... Read more

$4.99 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

Viola Spolin's improvisational techniques changed the very nature and practice of modern theater. The first two editions of Improvisation for the Theater sold more than 100,000 copies and inspired actors, directors, teachers, and writers in theater, television, film. These techniques have also influenced the fields of education, mental health, social work, and psychology.—Print ed.
... Read more
Funny Business

The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever

by Matt Singer ...

A celebration of a generation of iconic comedies—the raunchy, blockbuster “Frat Pack” films of the early 2000s—and a no-holds-barred look at their rise and fall in Hollywood, the effects of which can still be felt in the fractured media landscape of todayIf you were a moviegoer in the early aughts, you had a front-row seat to a golden age of comedy. Ben Stiller, Seth Rogen, Will Ferrell, Owen ... Read more

$13.99 USD

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A celebration of a generation of iconic comedies—the raunchy, blockbuster “Frat Pack” films of the early 2000s—and a no-holds-barred look at their rise and fall in Hollywood, the effects of which can still be felt in the fractured media landscape of todayIf you were a moviegoer in the early aughts, you had a front-row seat to a golden age of comedy. Ben Stiller, Seth Rogen, Will Ferrell, Owen
... 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
Harpo Speaks!

by Harpo Marx, Rowland Barber ...

First published in 1961, this is the autobiography of Harpo Marx, the silent comedian of The Marx Brothers fame.Writing of his life before, during, and after becoming famous by incorporating lovely and humorous stories and anecdotes, Harp Marx tells of growing up in a rough neighborhood and being poor, being bullied and dropping out of school, teaching himself to read, write, tell time, and to ... Read more

$5.00 USD or Free with Kobo Plus

First published in 1961, this is the autobiography of Harpo Marx, the silent comedian of The Marx Brothers fame.Writing of his life before, during, and after becoming famous by incorporating lovely and humorous stories and anecdotes, Harp Marx tells of growing up in a rough neighborhood and being poor, being bullied and dropping out of school, teaching himself to read, write, tell time, and to
... 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
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
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
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
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
Saturday Night

A Backstage History of Saturday Night Live

by Doug Hill, Jeff Weingrad ...

The New 50th Anniversary Edition of Saturday Night“It reads like a thriller, and may be the best book ever written about television.”— Associated Press“A chilling real-life cliffhanger.”— Washington Post“An anthropological masterpiece.”— Vanity FairDiscover the intimate and original history of Saturday Night Live in Saturday Night. From its ... ... Read more

$14.99 USD

The New 50th Anniversary Edition of Saturday Night“It reads like a thriller, and may be the best book ever written about television.”— Associated Press“A chilling real-life cliffhanger.”— Washington Post“An anthropological masterpiece.”— Vanity FairDiscover the intimate and original history of Saturday Night Live in Saturday Night. From its ...
... Read more

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