In a new and exclusive collection from The Folio Society, The Folio Book Of Humour features a comedic cast of classic and contemporary literary excerpts that will tickle the most discerning funny bone. Dorothy Parker's scathing wit shares a stage with the satirical quips of writers such as Chaucer, Oscar Wilde, Terry Pratchett, Paul Beatty and Caitlin Moran for a delightful and hilarious read.

If the definition of humour is to 'engage and delight' the audience, then let the entertainment begin. The collection offers a delightful mix of comedic gems, from chuckling at the humorous antics of Just William and Don Quixote to baulking at the behaviour of Bridget Jones and Fleabag. With over 100 entries starting in the tenth century and going up to modern day, each chapter wittily ploughs through life with excerpts as varied as Shakespeare and Laurence Sterne to Evelyn Waugh, Umberto Eco, Sue Townsend and David Sedaris. As well as the wittiest writing by some of the world's greatest wordsmiths, there are characters from past and present that have become enmeshed in our literary culture.

Renowned artist Jamie Keenan has designed a suitably madcap binding for this edition, which perfectly reflects the comedic cornucopia inside. As well as the binding, Keenan has created eight individual designs for the chapter openers and a smart black and white title page that offer an illustrative pause between guffaws. An eye-catching slipcase completes this gorgeous gifting edition; a fascinating hand-picked journey through the best of literary humour.

First published: Thursday 15th October 2020