The Wit and Humor of America, Vol 10
'The Wit and Humor of America, Vol 10' Summary
Light hearted, entertaining and amusing as it takes on contemporary American life would best describe The Wit and Humor of America by Marshall Pinckney Wilder whish is a compilation of humorous passages from various works of American literature.
Ranging from Harriet Beecher Stowe's Dinah's Kitchen to Dislikes by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Little Orphint Annie by James Whitcomb Riley, The Auto Rubaiyat by Reginald Wright Kauffman, Garden Ethics by Charles Dudley Warner and Morris and the Honorable Tim by Myra Kelley and many more delightful pieces, the book is indeed a treasure trove of humor.
Marshall P. Wilder was a talented actor and humorist who entertained late nineteenth century New York with his funny sketches and monologues. Today he would probably be called a “stand-up comedian.” On a trip to London in 1883, Wilder's show was watched by the then Prince of Wales who later went on to become King Edward VII. The monarch was enchanted by the act and Wilder became an instant favorite of the English royal family. This was also the start of his international career. For the next few years, he toured the world with his show, which included a vaudeville act too.
Wilder's brand of humor was laced with pathos and optimism. He was the first celebrity who attained fame in spite of his disability. Wilder was born with achondroplasia or dwarfism and also kyphosis or curvature of the spine. However, his wit and humor allowed him to rise above his physical limitations and carve out a wonderful career for himself. He was gifted with boundless energy, humanism and always signed his letters, “Merrily Yours!” He became extremely wealthy, fell in love and married a beautiful woman with whom he had two children. He eventually died following the sudden death of his beloved wife two years earlier. Wilder also acted in twelve silent films between 1897 and 1912. Many of his shows were recorded on Edison cylinders which were a new invention at the time and this has ensured that we are able to enjoy Wilder's humor today.
The Wit and Humor of America contains poems, letters, articles, chapters from books, limericks, short sketches and plays. It was published in 1911. Some of the themes and jokes seem dated, and politically incorrect but the essential fun is undeniable and this book makes a nice read for the times when you have a couple of hours to spare.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
2009Author
Marshall Pinckney Wilder
United States
Marshall Pinckney Wilder (September 19, 1859 β January 10, 1915) was an American actor, monologist, humorist and sketch artist. Marshall Pinckney Wilder (sometimes spelled Marshal) was born alon...
More on Marshall Pinckney WilderDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
The Defendant by Gilbert K. Chesterton
A collection of reprinted articles on a wide-range of subjects, all in the unique style of G. K. Chesterton. Using wit, paradox, and good humor he βde...
The Rider on the White Horse by Theodor Storm
The Rider on the White Horse is a novella by German writer Theodor Storm. It is his last complete work, first published in 1888, the year of his death...
The Fringes Of The Fleet by Rudyard Kipling
The Fringes of the Fleet is a booklet written in 1915 by Rudyard Kipling. The booklet contains essays and poems about nautical subjects in World War I...
Best Russian Short Stories by Anonymous
In this collection of Russian stories, editor and compiler Thomas Seltzer selects from a range of the best examples of 19th and early 20th century Rus...
Not That It Matters by A. A. Milne
More of the witty, wry, and deliciously wicked essays and articles written by Milne. Most people know him as the creator of Winnie The Pooh, but he wo...
In the Nursery of My Bookhouse by Olive Beaupre Miller
Full of delightful nursery rhymes, charming poems and engaging stories, folk and fairy tales, this is the first volume of the "My Bookhouse" series fo...
What's Wrong With the World by Gilbert K. Chesterton
In this work, Chesterton repeatedly startles and shocks us, for he reads as if he were commenting on the latest issue of the New York Times rather tha...
The Wit and Humor of America, Vol 04 by Marshall Pinckney Wilder
The Wit and Humor of America is a 10 volume series. In this, the fourth volume, 53 short stories and poems have been gathered from 44 authors. This vo...
A Medley of Weather Lore by M. E. S. Wright
A Medley of Weatherlore is a compilation of poems, sayings, and bits of folklore for each month of the year.
The Wit and Humor of America, Vol 09 by Marshall Pinckney Wilder
The Wit and Humor of America is a 10 volume series. In this, the ninth volume, 53 short stories and poems have been gathered from 44 authors. This vol...
Reviews for The Wit and Humor of America, Vol 10
No reviews posted or approved, yet...