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.