Why are things funny? How has humor changed over the centuries? How can humor be a political force? Featuring expert authors from across the globe, The Languages of Humor discusses three main types of humour: verbal, visual, and physical. Despite the differences between them, all have a common purpose, showing us in different ways the reality that we live in, and how we can reflect on that reality. To this end, the book shows how humor has been used to address such topics as the Holocaust and the Soviet Union, and why it has been controversial in cases including Charlie Hebdo. The Languages of Humor explores a subject that is of interest in a wide range of intellectual disciplines including sociology, psychology, communication, philosophy, history, social sciences, linguistics, computer science, literature, theatre, education, and cultural studies. This volume features contributions from world-leading academics, some of who have professional backgrounds in this field. This unique research-led book, which includes over 20 illustrations, offers a top-down analysis of humor studies.

Here are two serial killers, each wishing to settle a score. Meet Wilberforce Duggie Hansen, at odds with a mother who is a domineering drunk and has a bias against the gay friends her son wishes to bring home. She arranges never to have to confront the question again. There's Marty Syrzinski, a Navy Seal dropout with a temper, who goes on a murder spree just because he can. There are eight victims, with nothing unique about them except that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. There are also two bank robbers, freshly released from an Oregon prison, on their way to Reno. A zip gun, a poisonous snake, a firebombing, stolen dynamite, an explosion, and three funerals-all within two weeks. Share the Chief's second mystery. Visit him and his new love; banter with the city's gadfly, Doris Odland; listen to the City's Mayor McCheese; and watch the antics of the Reverend Amos Wilson as he puts on a Northwesterner's version of a New Orleans funeral.

When Howard B. Wigglebottom starts feeling sad about always getting into trouble at school for not listening, he decides to change his ways.

On the eve of Pearl Harbor, four young Americans from Chicago--brothers Joe and Dale, their friend Adam and his girlfriend, Catherine--find themselves on a headlong rush to war as they enlist in diverse branches of the military.

He should push her away…but he’d rather have his wicked way with her. That Old Black Magic, Book 4 After too many years learning death from the inside out as the familiar of a voodoo queen, soul collector Samael Gorasola betrayed his boss, which landed him on demon death row. He should have known not even his punishment would come easy, but the deal he’s offered to escape his fate stinks. Become the indentured servant to his despised enemy? No thanks, he’d rather be six feet under. With that in mind, he picks a deadly fight with two demon hunters, only to be rescued by one misguided, deliciously innocent white witch. Marabella hasn’t a clue what possessed her to help Sam, particularly since he’s not the least bit grateful. She blames it on her overwhelming attraction to the dark, dangerous demon, and her exasperating quest to rid herself of the stubborn curse that guards her virginity. If the guild finds out, though, she can kiss her white-witch status goodbye. A kiss is exactly what she gets, followed by a consuming hunger that breaks down all heavenly and earthly barriers…and leaves Sam saddled with the one thing he never wanted, a conscience, and a connection to Marabella that puts her soul on the line. Warning: This book contains torturous use of disco music, one sinfully sexy demon who revels in being bad, a virgin witch whose innocence runs more than skin deep, and plenty of wicked, forbidden sex with explosive side effects—literally.

From the bestselling author of I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST, the story of a cupid who thinks they know everything about love... until they fall in love themselves. As a cupid, Jude thinks they understand love a little bit more than the average human. It makes sense -- Jude's been studying love their whole teen life. And, yes, there have been some bumps in the road, and they're currently on probation for doing something that they absolutely, definitely shouldn't have done... but they're ready to prove they can make matches without ever getting involved. Only... Jude's next assignment isn't about setting up two adults. No, this time Jude has to go to high school, with kids their own age. And the assignment is a tough one: two best friends who are meant to be more than just best friends... but who aren't currently speaking to each other after a huge falling out. Jude thinks they've got this one all under control, and that they won't get involved whatsoever. Which proves that maybe Jude hasn't learned the first lesson of humans and love ... It’s complicated.