Getting a Laugh

"Getting a Laugh: And Other Essays" is a vibrant collection of witty and insightful reflections by the esteemed scholar C. H. Grandgent. While Grandgent is widely recognized for his academic contributions to linguistics and philology, this volume reveals a more playful and conversational facet of his intellectual life. Through a series of engaging pieces, the author explores the nature of humor, the quirks of language, and the many absurdities of the human experience.

The title essay, "Getting a Laugh," delves into the mechanics of comedy and the universal appeal of wit, while subsequent essays range across topics of education, social manners, and literary history. Grandgent's prose is characterized by its elegance and approachability, blending deep erudition with a lighthearted touch. These essays serve as a testament to the author's broad interests and his ability to find meaning in the everyday. This collection remains a significant example of the early 20th-century American essay tradition, offering readers a sophisticated yet entertaining journey through the mind of one of the era's most observant thinkers.

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