Drawing on the authors’ diverse backgrounds and expertise, this is the first academic volume dedicated to the rarely discussed topic of laughter and humour in positive psychology.

Dive into the rich tapestry of American humor with "The Humour of America" by Angus Evan Abbott and Charles Edmund Brock. Embark on a delightful journey through the heartland of American comedy with this charming collection of humorous tales and anecdotes. From the witty observations of Mark Twain to the irreverent humor of Dorothy Parker, this anthology celebrates the diverse voices that have shaped the landscape of American humor. With Angus Evan Abbott and Charles Edmund Brock as your guides, you'll explore the vast and vibrant world of American comedy, from the uproarious antics of frontier characters to the sharp wit of urban satirists. Through carefully selected stories and illustrations, Abbott and Brock showcase the timeless appeal of American humor and its enduring legacy. Themes of wit, satire, and absurdity abound in this anthology, inviting readers to laugh, reflect, and celebrate the unique spirit of American comedy. Whether you're a fan of classic humor or a newcomer to the genre, "The Humour of America" offers something for everyone, with its timeless tales and timeless charm. With its engaging prose and delightful illustrations, "The Humour of America" has earned praise from readers and critics alike for its celebration of the American comedic tradition. Abbott and Brock's careful curation and insightful commentary make this anthology a must-have for anyone who appreciates the lighter side of life. Whether you're looking to escape into a world of laughter or simply seeking to brighten your day, "The Humour of America" promises to entertain and delight. Join Abbott and Brock on a journey through the laughter-filled landscape of American humor, and discover why it continues to captivate audiences around the world. Experience the joy of American humor. Let "The Humour of America" by Angus Evan Abbott and Charles Edmund Brock tickle your funny bone and lift your spirits. Order your copy today and discover the timeless wit and charm of American comedy.

This work examines the importance of the social context for humour and explores the issue of gender and humour in areas such as the New Lad culture in comedy. The book also includes comic transcripts from TV sketches such as Clive Anderson.

Humour and Religion highlights the importance and functioning of humour in different world religions. Exploring the major religious cultures, the book looks at more constructive aspects to the relation between humour and religion, with humour seen as a pathway to spiritual wisdom. Exploring how religions contain (implicit) references to the finitude and relativity of the human condition, and why humour and spirituality fit well together, contributors discuss what the meaning of humour in different religions is - Did it evolve historically? How does it function? How is humour related to the realization of spiritual goals? Looking at religions from an external perspective, the contributors then analyze the way religion interacts with humour in society. How does a religion respond to sarcasm and irony? Are there limits to mockery and making fun of believers? Does humour have a pacifying effect when societal tensions run high or does it intensify the sensitivities? This volume will provide essays of value to scholars in the various religions and literatures covered.

Contrary to what their oppressive design would lead us to believe, might structures of imprisonment actually incite humour? Starting from the most obvious areas of imprisonment (war camps, prison cells) and moving to the less obvious (masks, bodies), Framing Literary Humour demonstrates how 20th-century humour in theory and in fiction cannot be fully understood without a careful look at its connection with the notion of imprisonment. Understanding imprisonment as a concrete spatial setting or a metaphorical image, Jeanne Mathieu-Lessard analyses selected works of Romain Gary, Giovannino Guareschi, Wyndham Lewis, Vladimir Nabokov and Luigi Pirandello to reconfigure confinement as an essential structural condition for the emergence of humour.

This book discusses boundaries for organizational humour as well as the jokers and jesters that enliven modern workplaces. It has long been accepted that humour and tragedy can occupy the same space and that is eloquently demonstrated in this book. Using ethnographic research techniques, a selection of stories, ruminations, cartoons, and narratives of events is combined with theoretical conceptions of humour and fun to create a comprehensive analysis of the good, the bad, and the downright ugly in organizational humour.