by James Wood
First published 2004
James Wood explores the mechanics of literary humor in this collection of critical essays. He draws a sharp distinction between English comedy, exemplified by writers like Waugh, and what he terms continental tragicomedy, which he views as more genuine and universal in its Quixotic nature. Wood argues that this continental approach captures something real about human experience that narrower English comedic traditions miss. The collection features a celebrated essay that takes aim at contemporary writers including Zadie Smith, Rushdie, Pynchon, and DeLillo, examining their techniques with characteristic sharpness. Wood brings the same passionate engagement that critics praised in his previous work, where reviewers noted his genius for close reading and his ability to invigorate literary discussion. The book offers readers Wood's perspective on how great literature achieves its comedic effects and why some approaches to humor resonate more deeply than others.
Genres: essays, literary-fiction, criticism, academic
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: literary-analysis
Period: 20th-Century, 21st-Century
320 pages · Hardcover · Chatto Bodley Head & Cape