Queens of Comedy: Lucille Ball, Phyllis Diller, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, and the New Generation of Funny Women (Studies in Humor and Gender , Vol 2) [Hardcover]

Susan Horowitz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1997 | ISBN-10: 2884492437 | ISBN-13: 978-2884492430 | Edition: 1

Through candid personal interviews with Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and other visionary performers, Queens of Comedy explores how comediennes have redefined the roles of women in not only the entertainment business, but society as a whole. Detailing both their public and private lives - as well as their many and varied performances - Queen of Comedy examines the impact these women have had on the predominantly male-oriented world of comedy. Performers like Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, and their more recent counterparts, comediennes Brett Butler and Roseanne, have helped to sift women's roles in comedy from object to subject. This book maps out this shift, providing an often brutally honest picture of women's lives in both the spotlight of comedy and this modern world.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 185 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 2884492437
• ISBN-13: 978-2884492430
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,082,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #59 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( B ) > Ball, Lucille

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great intro to comediennes April 5, 2000

By A Customer

I used this as a textbook for a film class I taught last year and the class loved it. The book contains solid biographical information and it's really fun to read. Plus, author Horowitz offers some very perceptive insights into women's comedy. My only criticism is that footnotes would have been really helpful because the students wanted to follow up on some of the sources -- but overall I highly recommend it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent read, a must! October 18, 2012

By Barbara Foster

Format:Kindle Edition

QUEENS OF COMEDY is that rare combination: a ripping-good read, and an informative, smart take on celebrities, gender roles, and humor. If you love Lucy, Phyllis, Carol, Joan and other ladies of laughter (as who does not?), you will adore hearing their life stories, comedy secrets, and success tips. Dr. Sue Horowitz, the Author/Interviewer weaves together their words with her own witty insights and places these legendary Queens of Comedy in the grand tradition of female comedy, gender/benders, and cultural rebels!

2.0 out of 5 stars Female comedians November 22, 2012

By Susan V. Bowers

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

She greatly overdoes the analysis of each comedian, once she has given the details of their careers. I do not recommend this book!