100 Years of Laughter:

American Comedy in the Twentieth Century

by Garry Berman

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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. The book covers early pioneers such as Charlie Chaplin, comedy groups including the Marx Brothers and the Three Stooges, trailblazing women such as Lucille Ball, and stand-up comedians like Jerry Seinfeld.

A retrospective on some of comedy's most brilliant artists, the book is filled with fascinating stories and fun tidbits behind not only the top comedians but also those who faded from public attention yet 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 with advances in technology, to how the comedy world responded to major tragedies such as the Pearl Harbor attacks and 9/11, and special topics such as the most popular gags, comedy couples, and the rise of sitcoms.

What they're saying about "100 Years of Laughter" "Could any century be properly defined as the funniest of all time? Garry Berman puts forth a convincing case for epochal hilarity in 100 Years of Laughter: American Comedy in the Twentieth Century. The most interesting aspects of Berman’s book involve the comedy genres least familiar to most of today’s audiences: vaudeville, silent comedy films, and old-time radio. 100 Years of Laughter is a fun book about a fun subject. Readers will certainly come away with an urge to look up vintage footage and recordings to relive the jollity of years passed." -- Phil Hall, The Epoch TImes "

"Filled with anecdotes, historical context, and behind-the-scenes stories, this retrospective celebrates comedy’s ability to reflect its time while bringing people together through laughter. For fans of classic film, radio, and television, it provides a fascinating overview of the artists and traditions that helped shape a century of American humor." -- HometowntoHollywood.com

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