Making readers laugh - or in the theatre making the audience laugh - is one of the most important but least acknowledged aims of literature. Even though we often laugh out of pure exuberance or smirk mockingly, it is nevertheless true that one can be "very serious even whilst laughing," as Lessing's Minna von Barnhelm already knew. This book explores the different types and language forms of laughter, using examples of German and European literature ranging from comedy in antiquity to the latest crime novel.