One of Rome’s greatest politicians, speakers, and lawyers, Cicero was also reputedly one of antiquity’s funniest people. After he was elected commander-in-chief and head of state, his enemies even started calling him “the stand-up Consul.”
How to Tell a Joke provides a lively new translation of Cicero’s essential writing on humour alongside that of the later Roman orator and educator Quintilian. The result is a practical guide to how a well-timed joke can win over any audience.
Filled with insight, wit, and examples, including more than a few lawyer jokes, How to Tell a Joke should appeal to "anyone interested in humour or the art of public speaking."
Michael Fontaine is professor of classics at Cornell University. His previous books include How to Drink: A Classical Guide to the Art of Imbibing (Princeton) and The Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Comedy.
The book is published by Princeton University Press on March 30.
