Bob Hope [Hardcover]

Bob Hope (Author), Linda Hope (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 7, 2003

o comedians, 'material'-their jokes-has always been precious, worthy of protecting and preserving. On stage, a good vaudeville routine could last years as it was performed on tour across the country. On radio, a year's vaudeville material might be fodder for one week's broadcast. Bob Hope used new material not only for his weekly radio series, but also for the several live charity appearances he made each week. Organized by the stages of his life, accompanied by black-and-white photographs, this book gives readers a chance to enjoy the very best of Hope's jokes, from his early years in vaudeville, his top-rated radio show in the '30s and '40s, his legendary television appearances, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Linda Hope, who assembled this volume, clearly understands her father, Bob, and that his life can best be told through his jokes. To read them is to know how he felt on personal and political issues, and their topical, satiric nature makes them more biographically relevant than old material from most other comedians. Linda opens the book with a brief summary of her dad's life (he will turn 100 next month). Ten sections follow chronologically, from Hope's childhood to the present. Cracking about his birth, "when the doctor slapped me, I thought it was applause," the comedian sets the stage for a self-portrait of a man who adored performing and making people laugh above all else. In his 20s, he spoofed early show business bookings, after which he describes meeting singer and future wife Dolores Reade as "love at first song." From this point, the legend grows increasingly familiar, with references to the Road pictures and Hope's first appearance, in 1939, hosting the Academy Awards. Considering the current political climate, his recurring tours entertaining troops through WWII and the Korean War are of particular interest ("I was offering time and laughs-the men and women fighting the war were offering up their lives"). Another line is a humorously accurate testament to Hope's longevity ("I've been with NBC so long. I was here when the peacock was just an egg"). The quality of the jokes range from gently amusing to side-splitting, mildly sharp but never mean-spirited. After reading them, it's easy to understand Hope saying he'd like to live his life all over again because "it's been a hell of a ride." Photos.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Bob Hope has entertained millions with his performances in vaudeville; on Broadway, radio, and television; in movies; and to troops abroad. He is the author of Dear Prez, I Wanna Tell Ya!, Greater Late Than Never; Don't Shoot, It's Only Me; and many others. Bob Hope resides with his wife Dolores in Palm Springs, California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; First Edition edition (May 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401300952
• ISBN-13: 978-1401300951
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,368,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best History of the Twentieth Century I Ever Read., May 21, 2003

By 

Robb White (Thomasville, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bob Hope (Hardcover)

Bob Hope came with a bunch of pretty girls and good musicians to play for me and about a jillion other lonesome GI's so I am predisposed to like the man and this review might not be perfectly objective. He told us jokes that hit right straight home. This book is full of those jokes and each chapter is headed by a little history just to set things straight. He just about covers the whole last century right down the the exposed wire. There is no prejudice or meanness... just the naked truth. He never overlooked any of the facts of the matter. It is, indeed, the best history of the twentieth century I ever read. Thank's for the memories, kind sir... and happy birthday.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Life In Jokes Is Not Funny, March 9, 2005

By 

Samantha Glasser "Maliejandra" (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Bob Hope (Hardcover)

The initial idea of Mr. Hope putting his life into jokes sounds good. He was a comedian. He was good at what he did. What better way could he relay his life story? The problem is that all together, these jokes lose their humor.

The book might be useful for quotes, but overall as an autobiography it is seriously lacking.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a list of jokes, June 29, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bob Hope (Hardcover)

i love bob hope hence the purchase of the book...i was disappointed in the fact that it was a small hardcover book, and simply a copy of his jokes for the various times of his life...i believe that very little effort went in putting the book together, and it was a disapointment...find another book to read about this great man...