The Comedians

In The Comedians, comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff brings to life a century of American comedy. Based on over 200 original interviews and extensive archival research, this groundbreaking work is a narrative exploration of the way comedians have reflected, shaped, and changed American culture over the past 100 years. Starting with the vaudeville circuit at the turn of the last century, Nesteroff introduces the first stand-up comedian—an emcee who abandoned physical shtick for straight jokes. After the repeal of Prohibition, Mafia-run supper clubs replaced speakeasies and mobsters replaced vaudeville impresarios as the comedians' primary employer.