The Oxford Book of Humorous Prose

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If puritanism is, as H.L. Mencken said, the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy, then this monumental collection by one of England's most beloved humorists is a puritan's nightmare. Focusing on the 19th and 20th centuries, with material dating back to Columbus, Frank Muir has filled this volume with enough joy and laughter to sink the Mayflower. The comic range is impressive—spanning gentle comedy of manners, biting satire, and outrageous parody. Included are excerpts from the works of Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse, and Mark Twain, complete short stories by O. Henry and Frank O'Connor, classic Australian tall tales, and passages from Groucho Marx's correspondence. Muir also features newspaper columns by Art Buchwald and Myles na Gopaleen, Samuel Johnson's comic definitions, and a mix of puns, witty sayings, and clever store names. With contributions from over two hundred writers, including favorites like Jonathan Swift, Charles Dickens, and Dorothy Parker, the collection also showcases unexpected pieces from Thomas Hardy and Lawrence Durrell, alongside lesser-known talents like Jerome K. Jerome. Muir, a beloved humorist and television host, provides not just a hilariously entertaining collection but also witty introductions to each writer, making this a book that everyone, except the occasional puritan, will enjoy.