Comic Lives: Inside the World of American Stand-Up Comedy

By Betsy Borns

Stand-up comedy has exploded as the hottest entertainment phenomenon of the '80s -- what rock and roll was to the '60s and '70s. Comedy clubs are franchising across the nation (with more than 300 now... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0790985640
• ISBN13: 9780790985640
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Fireside
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The most in-depth book on stand-up...ever

I haven't been this glued to a book in a while. This is essential reading for any fans of stand-up comedy. Published in the late 80's I believe, it's the most thorough look at the American stand-up scene ever released, now or back then. Even though it's dated, it doesn't matter, most of it is as true today as it was. Just an amazing, amazing read....

This is the Koran,Talmud,Bible,Krishna of Stand-up!

You wanna be a stand-up?, do you want to know what is like to "kill" or "bomb" in front of and audience?, do you want to know how the greatest stand-up comedians in the universe got famous?. this is it baby!, fasten your comedic seatbelts, Betsy will take you on showbusiness ride you won't soon forget! I love this book!!!

Great book about the comedy business!

If you want to know the real, behind-the-scenes stories of today's most talented comedians, you MUST get this book! You'll feel like you are right there with them; this is not just a book, it's as personal and detailed as anyone's private diary. Very interesting and entertaining!

Phenomenal insights into the history of Stand-UP

If you've ever been wondering what it's like to be a stand-up comedian, their lives or the history of stand-up from it's beginnings at the IMPROV, then this is the definitive guide. The book details beginning comics though starts from having no place to practice their art to striking clubs who reaped a bonanza when the clubs took off who still were not paying the performer. This is one of the best and most complete books I've read on the subject. A must for anyone considering entering the field of stand-up. It'll answer those questions you'd love to ask the 'name' comedians if you could get an hour of their time.