Letters

by Fred Allen

Genres: Humor

359 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Dry, satirical, famous American humorist Fred Allen, originally John Florence Sullivan, worked in vaudeville, radio, and early television.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Allen

Reviews

[Lee Riggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first introduction to Fred Allen, probably best known to radio and television audiences of the 30's and 40's and 50's. These letters were fairly idiosyncratic and the references and letter recipients were frankly lost on me for much of the book. Allen was a huge star in his day, but without more background or familiarity with his work, this book might not click with readers almost 100 years in the future from when they were created. It is also very east coast centric, and while not a bad thing on its own, that did add to the lost feeling I had for much of the book. The places and situations just were out of my recognition. But I can see the appeal his humor must have had for many at the time.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here’s a relic from the past that is destined to remain in the past; there are some laughs here but not enough to make seeking it out worthwhile. Allen could be funny but if you make your living being funny you aren’t going to be giving your best stuff away in letters to your friends. Interesting view of life as a radio comedian but “Treadmill to Oblivion” covers that better. I did learn some interesting things; I didn’t know that Herman Wouk was part of Allen’s writing staff before World War II.

[Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not familiar with this guy really so I picked up this book to figure him out. No capitalization?! Not that funny, pretty much ever.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

The letters could have been put into context a little better. Allen's output was impressive.