The Greatest "Anthologies, Humor" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Anthologies

Anthologies are collections of literary works, such as short stories, poems, or essays, compiled into a single volume. These books often showcase the works of multiple authors, providing readers with a diverse range of perspectives and styles. Anthologies can be organized around a theme, genre, or time period, and are often used in classrooms or book clubs as a way to explore different literary voices and themes. They offer readers the opportunity to discover new writers and to appreciate the breadth and depth of the written word.

Humor

Humor is a category of books that is characterized by its ability to make readers laugh or feel amused. These books often contain witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and humorous situations that are designed to entertain and delight readers. Humor can be found in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and graphic novels, and can range from light-hearted and silly to dark and satirical. Whether you're looking for a quick laugh or a more in-depth exploration of the human condition through humor, there is something for everyone in the world of humorous books.

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  1. 1. Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

    "Decameron" is a collection of 100 stories told by a group of seven young women and three young men sheltering in a secluded villa just outside Florence to escape the Black Death, which was afflicting the city. The tales, which range from the erotic to the tragic, the hilarious to the instructional, are embedded in a rich framework narrative that provides a detailed portrait of the society of the Italian Renaissance.

  2. 2. The Portable Dorothy Parker by Dorothy Parker

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection of the sharp-witted and poignant works of a celebrated American writer, known for her acerbic wit and keen observations of 20th-century urban life. It includes an array of her short stories, poems, essays, and reviews, showcasing her talents across different literary forms. The volume captures the essence of the author's incisive commentary on topics ranging from love and relationships to social issues, all delivered with her distinctive blend of humor and melancholy. Her writing remains a testament to her status as a formidable figure in American literature and a chronicler of the complexities of the human experience.

  3. 3. The Works of Max Beerbohm by Max Beerbohm

    This collection presents the works of a renowned British essayist and caricaturist known for his wit and satire. The book features a variety of his writings, including essays, parodies, and short stories, all imbued with his unique style of humor and keen observations of human nature. Additionally, it showcases his talent as a caricaturist through several illustrations that accompany the text. The book offers a comprehensive look into the author's literary and artistic prowess, highlighting his significant contributions to 20th-century English literature and art.

  4. 4. Stories of Nikolai Gogol by Nikolai Gogol

    This collection of stories offers a look into the world of 19th-century Russia through the eyes of one of its most celebrated authors. The stories are marked by their satirical and often surrealistic view of Russian society, exploring themes such as the absurdity of bureaucracy, the plight of the poor, and the complexities of human nature. The author's unique narrative style, characterized by a blend of realism and fantasy, creates a vivid and compelling portrait of a society in transition.

  5. 5. The Sketch Book Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving

    The book is a collection of 34 essays and short stories written by an American author, originally published throughout 1819 and 1820. It includes a mix of satire, fantasy, and nostalgic essays, many of which deal with early American rural life and other themes relevant to the post-colonial era. Among its most famous stories are "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," both of which have become classics of American literature. The book's gentle wit and romanticized descriptions of old England and the American landscape of the author's time have made it a lasting piece of literary artistry.

  6. 6. Crazy Salad: Some Things about Women by Nora Ephron

    This book is a collection of essays that provide a humorous and insightful commentary on women's issues during the 1970s. The author discusses a variety of topics, from the feminist movement and the pill, to the influence of media on women's body image, to her own personal experiences and observations. The book offers a unique and witty perspective on the complexities of being a woman in modern society.

  7. 7. Consider The Lobster by David Foster Wallace

    "Consider The Lobster" is a collection of essays that delve into a wide array of topics, from the ethics of boiling a lobster alive, to the world of adult video awards, to the impact of September 11 on the American psyche. Each essay is meticulously researched and thought-provoking, showcasing the author's distinctive style of writing and his ability to view everyday situations from unique and often humorous perspectives. The book challenges readers to question their own beliefs and consider new viewpoints, making it a stimulating and engaging read.

  8. 8. The Oxford Book Of Comic Verse by John Gross

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection that spans several centuries, showcasing the wit, humor, and satire that have been a part of English poetry. Compiled with a discerning eye for both the amusing and the poignant, it brings together a diverse range of poets, from the well-known to the obscure, each contributing to the rich tapestry of comic verse. The selection not only highlights the evolution of English comedic poetry but also offers readers an insight into the social and cultural contexts that shaped these works. Through its carefully curated content, the anthology invites readers to explore the lighter side of poetry, proving that verse can be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.

  9. 9. Erections, Ejaculations, Exhibitions, And General Tales Of Ordinary Madness by Charles Bukowski

    This book is a collection of short stories that delve into the gritty and often sordid aspects of human experience, focusing on the lives of the downtrodden and the outcasts of society. The narrative voice is raw and unfiltered, presenting a world filled with alcohol, sex, and existential despair, where characters navigate through the chaos of urban life. The stories are marked by a sense of realism and dark humor, offering an unapologetic exploration of the human condition and the madness that can be found in the ordinary lives of individuals.

  10. 10. Superfiction by Joe David Bellamy

    "Superfiction" is a collection of essays that explores the concept of "superfiction," a term coined by the author to describe a new kind of writing that blends traditional storytelling with contemporary literary techniques. The book examines how this new form of fiction can be used to create more complex and engaging narratives, and provides an in-depth analysis of works by various authors who have embraced this style. It also discusses the evolution of literary criticism and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of literature.

  11. 11. Essays Of Oscar Wilde by Oscar Wilde

    This collection of essays showcases the sharp wit and insightful social commentary of one of the most celebrated writers of the late 19th century. The essays span a range of topics, from art and aesthetics to criticism and personal reflections, all delivered with the author's distinctive blend of eloquence and irony. The author's keen observations on Victorian society, his exploration of beauty and its relation to life, and his thoughts on the role of the artist make this compilation a treasure trove for readers interested in literature, philosophy, and the enduring complexities of human nature.

  12. 12. The Prose Works Of Jonathan Swift by Jonathan Swift

    This collection of writings by a prominent 18th-century satirist and essayist offers a diverse range of his non-poetic works, including political pamphlets, essays, and correspondence. The compilation showcases the author's sharp wit, profound disdain for contemporary society and politics, and his exceptional ability to use satire as a means of social commentary. Through his prose, the author addresses issues such as the corruption of the British government, the oppression of Ireland, and the follies of human nature, all while displaying his mastery of language and rhetorical skill. This body of work not only provides insight into the author's mind but also reflects the complexities and concerns of the Enlightenment period.

  13. 13. Complete Short Stories by Mark Twain

    This collection brings together the masterful tales of one of America's most influential writers, offering a showcase of his wide-ranging humor and keen observation of human nature. The stories traverse a variety of genres and settings, from the deep South to the Western frontier, blending satire, social commentary, and whimsy. The author's distinctive voice and unforgettable characters, including the mischievous boys of a small-town America and the cunning tricksters navigating society's foibles, reflect the complexities of the human condition with wit, irony, and insight. Through these narratives, the book captures the essence of 19th-century American life, revealing the joys, sorrows, and peculiarities of the time.

  14. 14. Collected Writings by Ambrose Bierce

    "Collected Writings" is an anthology that brings together the diverse and sardonic works of a prominent American writer known for his sharp wit and cynical view of human nature. The collection spans various genres, including satirical essays, short stories, and journalism, showcasing the author's mastery of dark humor and his fascination with the macabre. Among the most notable pieces are a satirical lexicon that lampoons social and political conventions, and a series of haunting tales that delve into the supernatural and the psychological. The compilation serves as a testament to the author's influential voice in American literature and his enduring legacy as a craftsman of incisive and often unsettling prose.

  15. 15. Bab Ballads by W. S. Gilbert

    The collection in question is a series of whimsical and satirical poems, originally penned for a Victorian-era magazine before being compiled into a book. These verses, often accompanied by the author's own comical illustrations, present a quirky and irreverent look at the follies and foibles of English society. The poems are characterized by their playful use of language, surprising twists, and a sharp wit that skewers the pretensions and absurdities of the author's contemporaries, all while maintaining a light-hearted and entertaining tone.

  16. 16. Arguably: Essays by Christopher Hitchens

    "Arguably: Essays" is a collection of essays written by Christopher Hitchens, covering topics ranging from politics, literature, and religion to popular culture, sports, and travel. Hitchens was known for his sharp wit, critical thinking, and fearless approach to controversial issues, and this book showcases his best writing over the years. The essays are thought-provoking, insightful, and often humorous, making for an engaging read that challenges readers to think deeply about the world around them.

  17. 17. Reliable Essays: The Best of Clive James by Clive James

    This book is a collection of essays from a renowned critic, covering a wide range of topics from television to literature and reflecting his sharp wit and insightful observations. The author's unique voice shines through in each piece, whether he's discussing the state of modern television or the nuances of a particular piece of literature. His commentary is both thought-provoking and entertaining, making this collection a must-read for fans of cultural criticism.

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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