This is both a book containing numerous jokes, and one that attempts to situate such jokes within explanatory contexts. Which is to say that it is a book about jokes, as well as a book of jokes, with an abundance of jokes taking up rather more space than the contextual information. Among topics touched upon are the psychology of our responses to jokes; the major sources of jokes (for example, the body; sex and the relations between male and female; religion and sport); the curious structure of jokes (their reliance on the narrative or the 'set-up', as well as on the clinching punchline); and the way they both defy conventional logic and simultaneously supply a compelling logic of their own. Such topics have been thoroughly researched, which means that they are treated in an informed and illuminating way; but although the research ranges widely the topics are handled with a light touch. What matters is the way in which the brief commentaries on jokes are illustrated—amply —by the jokes themselves Above all, the main purpose remains constant—to provide entertainment and provoke genuine laughter.