Britain’s hottest young comedian presents a seriously funny, up-close look at joking matters—from the social origins of laughter, to the art and craft of humor, to why we can never remember the punch line—featuring over 300 jokes. As the host of the hit game show Distraction (now in its third season on Comedy Central) and one of the premier stand-up acts working today, award-winning comedian Jimmy Carr has won over millions of fans around the world with his trademark rapier wit, laced with "exquisitely economical and perfectly timed one-liners" (The Guardian). For this book he teams up with friend and fellow comedy writer Lucy Greeves to take an in-depth look at where humor comes from and how it works, through exploring its purest form: the joke. Only Joking begins with the mechanism of laughter—how it happens and why even infants do it—then delves into the power of the punch line, exploring the basics of all jokes, from the use of shock and surprise to advanced stand-up techniques such as the "pull-back/reveal." Carr and Greeves go on to explore taboo humor, jokes that bomb, and the psychology of finding something funny. They look into the long-standing connection between politics and humor, and discuss the survival prospects for contentious jokes in the current political climate. Throughout the book they conjure up a supporting cast of colorful joke enthusiasts, from Sigmund Freud to Lenny Bruce, and discuss their influence on the jokes we tell today. Surveying across national, ethnic, and gender divides, this rollicking analysis of why joking will always be close to the human heart is an irresistible exploration of humor that makes clear why we need a good laugh now more than ever.

Packed with the silly jokes that kids love--including knock-knocks, tongue twisters, riddles, traditional question and answer jokes and more--a fun-filled book will keep readers laughing page after page.

Introducing a new series from the demented genius who brought you THE DAY MY BUTT WENT PSYCHO. Finally, the series that made Andy Griffiths an Australian publishing phenomenon is coming to America! Before he introduced the world to butts gone beserk, Andy Griffiths unleashed the JUST books: outlandish collections of silly stories that turned him into a bestselling sensation. Now Andy brings his insane brand of humor to this side of the Pacific -- and American readers won't believe what they've been missing!Ever skipped out on school by pretending you're dead? Ever convinced a friend that they're invisible? Ever been stuck in a gorilla suit and nearly put in a zoo? Andy has. In JUST KIDDING, join this joker as he attempts some of the best -- and worst -- practical jokes in history!

Packed with even more of the silly jokes that kids love, including knock-knocks, tongue twisters, riddles, traditional question and answer jokes, and more, Just Joking 2 will be presented in the colourful, photo-driven style, only National Geographic Kids can do. Q: What sound to porcupines make when they kiss? A: Ouch! Q: What do you get from a cow after an earthquake? A: A milk shake! Q: Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants? A: In case he got a hole in one. Laughing animals, funny people, and other colourful photos are paired with each joke, adding an extra laugh on each page. National Geographic Kids' signature square trim size and candy-coloured palette make this fun-filled book perfect for tossing into a backpack to share with friends at school or camp. Releases simultaneously in Reinforced Library Binding: 978-1-4263-1017-1 , $15.90/$17.95 Can

The lobster is having a fine time frightening the other fish into believing that a big, hungry shark is about to eat them! He's having so much fun in fact he doesn't notice that a shark is following him. And this big, hungry shark isn't joking.

Explores the nature of humor as it is reflected in successful jokes, discussing the innate human nature of humor, the connection between humor and politics, and the contributions of historical jokesters.