This unprecedented look at the history of satire in America showcases the means by which our society is informed by humor from the way we examine the news, to how we communicate with each other, to what we seek out for entertainment. From biographical information to critical reception of material and personalities, the book features humorists from both literary and popular culture settings spanning the past 100 years.

Through its 180 entries, this comprehensive volume covers a range of artists individuals such as Joan Rivers, Hunter S. Thompson, and Chris Rock and topics,...