Jokelore

by Ronald L. Baker

Book Overview

" . . . extremely valuable . . . enthusiastically recommend ed] . . . " --Western Folklore

These hilarious and slightly off-color stories, although gathered in Indiana, reflect the ancient origin and universality of the joke. The chuckle, the grin, the uncontrolled belly-laugh evoked by Jokelore attest to the popularity of this ancient form of folk literature.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253204062
• ISBN13: 9780253204066
• Release Date: September 1986
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 234 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Jokes and Folktales from Indiana

Jokelore is a presentation of jokes and tall tales from Indiana. The collection is drawn from a range of groups, and it covers a wide span of Indiana history. The book has a very fine introduction to the study of folklore as it relates to the collection and interpretation of jokes. Each section is about jokes on specific topics, and each section includes introductory commentary that analyzes key themes in the jokes. Be forewarned that these jokes are documented from near verbatim sources, so they might not be appropriate for children. The book also includes examples of jokes that are racist and sexist, but the goal is not so much to sensationalize the objectionable material but rather to honestly show how these types of stories are part of folklore.