When Congress Makes a Joke: Congressional Humor Then and Now [Paperback]

Dean L. Yarwood (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0742530434 | ISBN-13: 978-0742530430 | Publication Date: July 26, 2004

When Congress Makes a Joke is an engaging look at the intentional use of humor by members of Congress, exploring their humor as political communication. Highlighting several politicians noted for their use of humor--including Senators Robert Dole and Alan Simpson and Representatives Patricia Schroeder and Barney Frank, among others--this intriguing book features original personal interviews with the Congress members, allowing them to talk about their own (and others') use of humor in political ways. Yarwood also includes theories of humor as communication, a historical look at humor in Congress, the function of telling humorous stories, and the role of humor in the integration of African American and women members into the institution of Congress. Readers will find When Congress Makes a Joke an enjoyable, accessible view into humor's place in political communication--how it is created, how it is used, and what consequences may stem from it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dean Yarwood has done a first-rate job of examining the role of humor in the U.S. Congress. The book is a serious contribution to organization theory and how humor facilitates or hinders the purposes of the organization. It also provides fascinating insight into a little-known aspect of the U.S. Congress. (Meier, Kenneth J. )

About the Author

Dean L. Yarwood is professor emeritus of political science at the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (July 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742530434
• ISBN-13: 978-0742530430
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,858,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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