The Humour of America

The Humour of America - Selected, with an Introduction and Index of American Humorists

WHEN the unfortunate man standing on the scaffold was asked by a spectator to make a speech, he said that, considering the interesting programme which had been prepared by their good friend the Sheriff, he could not hope to say anything likely to amuse them. The compiler of a book of humour may recognise a like anxiety on the part of the public to push on to the principal attraction. There arises on his mental vision the eager face of the book-buyer, as he hurriedly skims over the leaves at the commencement of the volume, to find the end of the introduction and the beginning of the humour. Once upon a time when I was youngin fact, more than eighteen months agoI wrote an introduction to a volume of American humorous verse. It didnt say much, but it covered a great deal of space, and looked imposing. The few statements made, however, have risen up and smitten me night and day, and I have never to this moment been able to get away from them. After the volume had been before the public for a few months, I made an everlasting resolve to xiiabstain from all theories, deductions, speculations, prophecies, warnings, and prognostications in regard to any and every humour, whether American or British, new or old, known or unknown. It occurred to me that a new and delightful feature might be added to a book of humour if the reader were permitted the privilege of forming his own conclusions and choosing for himself his favourite among the authors. No doubt many a man has been forced, sorely against his will, to acknowledge, theoretically, the irresistibility of certain writers humour, and to spend the best part of his life in trying to see something funny in the writers work. No such hopeless task will be imposed by this volume. The different authors included between the covers of this book will speak for themselves. They need no bush. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 56949
Author: Abbott, Angus Evan
Release Date: Apr 9, 2018
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Illustrator: Brock, C. E. (Charles Edmund), 1870-1938