The Penguin Anthology of Canadian Humour [Paperback]

Despite the best intentions of all involved, the oxymoronically titled Penguin Anthology of Canadian Humour (what next: a survey of Canadian Celebrities and Military Intelligence?) has three critical strikes against it. First, the funniest contemporary writer in Canada--Will Ferguson--contributes one slender story. And his role as editor is largely symbolic; these are previously published works. Second, the thing is a doorstopper, contradicting Ferguson's stated aim to cull "obvious choices." Third, and most troubling, the book is not funny. In fact, it's eerily unfunny despite the presence of tried-and-true talents such as Erika Ritter, Douglas Coupland, and Paul Quarrington. It could be these excerpts were poorly précis-ed or that this humour is too, ah, cerebral to be easily compartmentalized. But one defies anyone not under threat of eighth-grade flunking to so much as grin at Stephen Leacock's piece. Or Ivan E. Coyote's. Or Paul Hiebert's. Montreal's James Martin is kind of clever if you can get past his penchant for worryingly uphip faux-spellings, howev klever himself maybe. And frankly anyone who would include Toronto Star columnist Joey Slinger--a writer of such staggering badness that comprehending him is akin to untying a knotted shoelace--begs to be mocked. Wish granted. --Kim Hughes --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'"The Penguin Anthology of Canadian Humour" is an essential newcomer to our national book scene ... a must-have for the Canadian reader’s library.' -- The Tribune

'A delicious smorgasbord that ranges from the standard to the surprising.' -- The Globe and Mail

'A lot of fun.' -- Times Colonist

'You don’t merely read this book, you immerse yourself in it, spend an entire day just leafing through its pages. A wonderful, wonderful anthology.' -- The Chronicle-Herald

The Penguin Anthology of Canadian Humour brings together a diverse and entertaining collection of the best humour writing. These seventy-one distinctly Canadian selections from fifty-four extraordinary writers represent over a century’s worth of accomplishments in this unique literary genre.

Will Ferguson’s marvellous anthology features humour pieces from early twentieth-century writers such as Bob Edwards and Stephen Leacock, who defined the very essence of humour. Ferguson also includes a wide selection of writing by some of our best-known authors from throughout the twentieth century to the present: Douglas Coupland, Robertson Davies, Mavis Gallant, Thomas King, W.P. Kinsella, Stuart McLean, Paul Quarrington, and Miriam Toews, to name a few.

Will Ferguson is the award-winning author of Happiness™, Spanish Fly, and Beyond Belfast. He lives in Calgary with his wife and their two sons.