Laughter, Literature, Violence, 1840–1930

Discover the intricate interplay of humor and literature in Laughter, Literature, Violence, 1840–1930 by Jonathan Taylor. Published by Springer Nature Switzerland AG in 2019, this compelling hardback edition spans 258 pages, delving into the philosophy and politics surrounding laughter in key literary works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Taylor examines influential texts by renowned authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Edmund Gosse, Wyndham Lewis, and Katherine Mansfield, revealing how they navigate the complex themes of Schadenfreude and the so-called ‘superiority theories’ of laughter. This thought-provoking exploration pushes these theories to their limits, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature and human emotion. Add this insightful book to your collection today and uncover the deeper meanings behind laughter in literary history.