Kliph Nesteroff
Kliph Nesteroff is a writer and historian known for his work on the history of comedy. He has authored books and articles exploring the evolution of stand-up comedy and its cultural impact.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Outrageous
A History of Showbiz and the Culture of Comedy
Outrageous delves into the vibrant and tumultuous world of comedy, exploring the lives and careers of comedians who broke boundaries and challenged societal norms. The narrative weaves through the history of stand-up, highlighting the fearless performers who used humor as a tool for social commentary and personal expression. Through anecdotes and interviews, the book paints a vivid picture of the comedy scene's evolution, capturing the essence of what it means to be truly outrageous in the pursuit of laughter and truth.
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2. We Had A Little Real Estate Problem
The Unheralded Story of Native Americans & Comedy
This insightful exploration delves into the often-overlooked contributions of Native Americans to the world of comedy, tracing their influence from the early days of vaudeville to the present. Through a series of engaging anecdotes and interviews, the narrative highlights the resilience and creativity of Indigenous comedians who have used humor as a tool for cultural expression and resistance. The book sheds light on the challenges faced by these performers, including stereotypes and systemic barriers, while celebrating their unique voices and the vibrant legacy they continue to build within the entertainment industry.
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3. The Comedians
Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels and the History of American Comedy
A lively oral history that chronicles the rise and evolution of American stand-up through firsthand interviews with hundreds of performers, agents, and insiders, tracing comedy’s roots in vaudeville, the Borscht Belt and nightclubs through television, Las Vegas and the alternative scenes; it mixes affectionate profiles with behind-the-scenes stories of craft, rivalry, exploitation, heartbreak and reinvention to show how cultural change, business pressures and raw personal material shaped the art and industry of stand-up.
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