Have you ever wondered why 'dumb blondes', 'absentminded professors', 'Englishmen, Irishmen and Scotsmen', 'mothers-in-law' or 'hot red-heads' are so funny? Then read this fascinating analysis of the dynamics, the history and the social context of humour. What are the seven categories of dirty jokes? Who are the great Jewish comedians and comic writers? What is different about Aussie humour? These and many more questions are answered in this amusing and comprehensive study of humour. Whether you are studying humour, want to try your hand at stand-up or just wondered why the chicken crossed the road, this is the book for you.