The Genius of the Jewish Joke

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book The Genius of the Jewish Joke by Arthur Asa Berger, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Arthur Asa Berger ISBN: 9781351482257
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Arthur Asa Berger
ISBN: 9781351482257
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The Genius of the Jewish Joke focuses on what is distinctive and unusual about Jewish jokes and Jewish humor. Jewish humor is humor by Jews and about Jews, in whatever medium this humor is found. Jokes are defined as short stories, meant to amuse, with a punch line, though Jewish humor exists in many other forms—riddles, comic definitions, parodies—as well. The book makes a "radical" suggestion about the origin of Jewish humor—namely, that Sarah and Abraham's relation to God, and the name of their son Isaac (which, in Hebrew, means laughter), recognizes a special affinity in Jews for humor. Abraham does not sacrifice Isaac (humor) and, thus, humor and the Jews are linked early in Jewish history.

Berger discusses techniques of humor and how they can be used to analyze jokes. He also compares "Old World Jewish Humor"—the humor of the shtetl, with its fabulous schlemiels, schlimazels, schnorrers, and other characters—and "New World Humor"—the humor of Jewish doctors, lawyers, accountants, and other professional types living mostly in the suburbs nowadays. Jewish humor is contrasted with other forms of ethnic humor, such as Polish jokes and Italian American jokes.

This humor, in addition to providing pleasure, reveals a great deal about Jewish character and culture and, in addition, the human condition. Now available with a new introduction by the author, The Genius of the Jewish Joke is an entertaining and informative inquiry into Jewish humor that explores its distinctiveness, its unique spirit, and its role in Jewish identity.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Genius of the Jewish Joke focuses on what is distinctive and unusual about Jewish jokes and Jewish humor. Jewish humor is humor by Jews and about Jews, in whatever medium this humor is found. Jokes are defined as short stories, meant to amuse, with a punch line, though Jewish humor exists in many other forms—riddles, comic definitions, parodies—as well. The book makes a "radical" suggestion about the origin of Jewish humor—namely, that Sarah and Abraham's relation to God, and the name of their son Isaac (which, in Hebrew, means laughter), recognizes a special affinity in Jews for humor. Abraham does not sacrifice Isaac (humor) and, thus, humor and the Jews are linked early in Jewish history.

Berger discusses techniques of humor and how they can be used to analyze jokes. He also compares "Old World Jewish Humor"—the humor of the shtetl, with its fabulous schlemiels, schlimazels, schnorrers, and other characters—and "New World Humor"—the humor of Jewish doctors, lawyers, accountants, and other professional types living mostly in the suburbs nowadays. Jewish humor is contrasted with other forms of ethnic humor, such as Polish jokes and Italian American jokes.

This humor, in addition to providing pleasure, reveals a great deal about Jewish character and culture and, in addition, the human condition. Now available with a new introduction by the author, The Genius of the Jewish Joke is an entertaining and informative inquiry into Jewish humor that explores its distinctiveness, its unique spirit, and its role in Jewish identity.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Boarding School Syndrome by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Ethical and Legal Issues for Mental Health Professionals by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Violence Expressed by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book The Byzantine World by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Undernutrition and Public Policy in India by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Escape into a Labyrinth by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Curriculum and the Specialization of Knowledge by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Early Musical Borrowing by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Mill on Civilization and Barbarism by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book The Psychology of Dog Ownership by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Novelist Tagore by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Who Will Mind the Baby? by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Why Nations Realign by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book Dignity, Degrading Treatment and Torture in Human Rights Law by Arthur Asa Berger
Cover of the book A Guide to Coaching and Mental Health by Arthur Asa Berger
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy