Revel with a cause liberal satire in postwar America / [electronic resource] :
Stephen E. Kercher.
- University of Chicago Press, 2006.
- 1 online resource (575 p.)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Bill Mauldin and the politics of postwar American satire -- "We shall meet the enemy" -- Comic revenge -- "Truth grinning in a solemn, canting world" -- Spontaneous irony -- "We hope you like us, Jack" -- "Are there any groups here I haven't offended yet?" -- "Well-aimed ridicule" -- Mocking Dr. Stangelove -- "Sophisticated daring" -- Satire that would "Gag a goat."
We live in a time much like the postwar era. A time of arch political conservatism and vast social conformity. A time in which our nation's leaders question and challenge the patriotism of those who oppose their policies. But before there was Jon Stewart, Al Franken, or Bill Maher, there were Mort Sahl, Stan Freberg, and Lenny Bruce--liberal satirists who, through their wry and scabrous comedic routines, waged war against the political ironies, contradictions, and hypocrisies of their times. Revel with a Cause is their story. Stephen Kercher here provides the first comprehensive look at the sat.
Satire, American--History and criticism. Politics and literature--History--United States--20th century. American literature--History and criticism.--20th century Liberalism--History--United States--20th century. Liberalism in literature. History. HUMOR--General. Satire.