Comic Relief: A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor

by John Morreall, Robert Mankoff (Foreword)

Comic A Comprehensive Philosophy of Humor develops an inclusive theory that integrates psychological, aesthetic, and ethical issues relating to humor

Genres: Philosophy, Humor, Nonfiction, Criticism

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Nikola Novaković · Rating 2 out of 5]

Provides a very brief and superficial look at the study of humour, as well as some simple reasons for why humour is useful. It has very little to do with philosophy and calling it comprehensive is frankly ridiculous, as the meat of the text itself is under 200 pages long.

[Sjef van Gaalen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yes, it’s the lowest rating I’ve ever given a book on Goodreads, so I feel that I should elaborate.

Consider a point deducted for each of the following:
- Consistent inability to spell Bill Mahers’ name correctly.
- Discussing whether brains in vats, disembodied gods, aliens and nerve damaged humans can be amused, and managing to make it not funny.
- Claiming that standup comedians generally don’t work from a set but just wing it.
- Equating a fake laugh to a real one for the sake of social graces.

Any book on humor by an author who claims to find almost nothing funny when alone and can’t wait 20 minutes for food in a busy restaurant without complaining is highly suspect material. While this book is more than likely to increase your knowledge of the history, ethics and aesthetics of humor, reading it is not an enjoyable experience. Do not believe the bare faced lies in the foreword.

If you’re just after a dry treatment of the history of the philosophy of humor this might be ok for you, but if you’re reading a book on humor the chances are you also enjoy laughing. Do not expect this to happen.
Did not like. One star.

[Dylan Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fact that I forgot that I read this book is a good indicator of its mediocrity. Morreall ultimately develops some interesting thoughts throughout the book, but it's bogged down by a lot of unnecessary details.

[Michel Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really think the title of the book is accurate.
This book helped me a lot, a lot, to understand how and why humor works.
Finishing the book wasn't a relief at all since now I want to keep reading about the topic.
Do you have any other suggestions for me? Please let me know with a comment.

After reviewing my own review I think it's done. XO!

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is for A PHILOSOPHY OF HUMOUR by ALAN ROBERTS. I know nothing about John Morreall, they just didn't have the book I read on here (for good enough reason to be honest). Anyway it's all sensible but inoffensiveness is a double-edged sword; you shouldn't expect a not-really-brilliant nobody writing on a plain topic to produce something enthralling. Exactly what it says on the box.

[Fletcher Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are at such a high point in your life that you can't take any more laughter, just read what Kant wrote about humor and you'll be cured for weeks.

[Tommy Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for a class on comedy and humor. It is a fine read as an introduction to the philosophy of humor. I probably would not have read it though if it was not a required read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I assigned it for my summer course and it was definitely an excellent read that was a nice blend of philosophy, humor theory, and understandable language that made the groundings of humor accessible to almost any level of college student. The reason for the 4/5 stars is simply that at times it got a little dry and tried to give us too much breadth. Still a great foundation!

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it says it is on the cover: A philosophical treatise on humor and comedy.

If you are the type of person who is really into analyzing jokes, wondering how they're creative, and their larger roles in society, you'll like this book a lot.

If you are looking for a quick and funny read, you won't. Don't be misled, this is book _about_ comedy, it's not a comedic work.

[Essi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This began well with a look at the history of philosophy on humour. Unfortunately it degenerated on just insisting that humour is good and should be taken "more seriously", which is not quite enough to get my attention. Of course it is a good statement but I was hoping for deeper analysis than just "some say humour is irresponsible, I say it is not so all the time".