From Library Journal
With a foreword by Roy Blount Jr., Zall (Abe Lincoln Laughing, Univ. of Tennessee, 1995) embarks on an unusual collection of writings and anecdotes from the personal correspondence and private memoirs of the Founding Fathers. Each chapter begins with an introduction to the life of each man in a clear, interesting style, followed by a collection of humorous quotations that add a new dimension to the stern image we have of these personages. The book reveals Franklin's sense of irony as well as his mastery of practical jokes and low puns, Washington's proclivity for telling tall tales, John Adams's pledge to his fiancee to collect more dirty jokes than any of her suitors, and Jefferson's wry sense of humor. Although many of the quotations can be found in other sources, this work draws together only humorous quotations and creates a valuable resource for understanding contemporary issues. Readers with a sense of history who like scholarship lightened with humor will enjoy this book. A welcome addition to school, public, and academic libraries.?Susan Dearstyne, Hudson Valley Community Coll., Albany, N.Y.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
