Comedy by the Numbers

Being funny is hard work: just ask Gary Rudoren and Eric Hoffman. Like many people, they once believed that comedy was simply a matter of coming up with "zingers" and "jokes." But after countless hours of painstaking research, they've discovered that true creativity is derived from simple formulas and the memorization of data. Their groundbreaking new book makes the secrets of comedy accessible to all, not only to the naturally funny, but to those who lack the ability or talent to be funny. With "Comedy By The Numbers," readers no longer need worry about originality. They simply choose from the book's comedic blueprints -- and hilarity ensues! A comprehensive list of comedy characters, bits, scenarios, sketches, skits, shtick, and more helps readers build a memory bank of funniness. Special hints, tips, comedy history, hilariously funny comedy facts, and inside secrets from Bob Odenkirk and other seriously funny people provide additional aid and amusement.