Because I Tell a Joke or Two explores the complex relationship between comedy and the social differences of class, region, age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and nationhood. It shows how comedy has been used to sustain, challenge and to change power relationships in society. The contributors, who include Stephen Wagg, Mark Simpson, Stephen Small, Paul Wells and Frances Williams, offer readings of comedy genres, texts and performers in Britain, the United States and Australia. The collection also includes an interview with the comedian Jo Brand.
Topics addressed include:
* women in British comedies such as Butterflies and Fawlty Towers
* the life and times of Viz, from Billy the Fish to the Fat Slags
* queer readings of Morecambe and Wise, the male double act
* the Marx brothers and Jewish comedy in the United States
* black radical comedy in Britain
* The Golden Girls, Cheers, Friends and American society.

About the Author
Stephen Wagg

Reviews

'This is a refreshingly intelligent and engaging book, offering a wide range of critical, sociological and theoretical approaches to recent trends in television comedy. Wragg's collection is at once very contemporary in its feel and aware of current comedy's cultural heritage; so Seinfeld, is considered alongside I Love Lucy, M*A*S*H and Cheers.' - Sight&Sound

Book Information
ISBN 9780415129213
Author Stephen Wagg
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 589g