No Joke: Making Jewish Humor

Focusing more on Jewish humor as folklore, Wisse (Yiddish literature, comparative literature, Harvard U.) surveys national, linguistic, and historical contexts in which various types of Jewish humor have thrived. Citing examples from Heinrich Heine, Sholem Aleichem, Borscht Belt, and other literary and pop culture influences, she analyzes the functions of Jewish/Yiddish humor in addressing the anxieties of Jewish life, from insider jokes in the East European shtlel to comedy popular with general American audiences. She also provocatively asks whether such humor can go too far in reinforcing victimhood. The book includes illustrations. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)