Shaun Mays book is an engaging study of the philosophy of comedy, offering erudite case-studies drawn from a variety of genres. Its main reference point, namely the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, makes it accessible also to undergraduates of philosophy, besides humour scholars ... Its interdisciplinary scope brings into fruitful dialogue philosophy, on the one hand, and theatre, film and contemporary performance, on the other. * European Journal of Humour Research *
A strong exploration of how the philosophical writing of Martin Heidegger and others may be interwoven with our interpretation of comic performances. The result effectively illuminates comic engagement, Heideggers writing in particular, and ultimately, how jokes and laughter may be thought of as intrinsic to what makes us human May convincingly demonstrates the broad implications of Heideggers 'Dasein' to more thoroughly unpack specific comedic moments, genre aside. This is but one of several great strengths of Mays book This book is a welcome addition to the libraries of scholars in humor studies, performance studies, disability studies, and philosophy An original, thoughtful voyage that departs interestingly from the theoretical fare of late. * Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism *
May is able to frame the humour of his case studies as philosophically pertinent without thereby restricting their potential to surprise and delight us. I suspect that this is accomplished as much by Mays crisp writing style and by his liberal supply of direct quotations from comedy as it is by any special lucidity in Heideggers work. * Film-Philosophy Journal *
Mays research area (comedy on stage and screen) would be of major interest to students and scholars of performance, film, and humour. Its interdisciplinary scope brings into fruitful dialogue philosophy, on the one hand, and theatre, film and contemporary performance, on the other. * European Journal of Humour Research *
