Discusses issues of preservation of and access to library materials from a historical perspective, based on a story by Washington Irving. Topics addressed include the founding of the Astor Library, early access and service problems, preservation issues and remedies, and new definitions of access. (14 references) (LRW)

This paper examines the negative stereotypes so long foisted on witty women and the move of contemporary witty women writers into a comic vision beyond the imposed connection of female wit to sly cleverness and witchcraft. To illustrate how the woman writer had to cope with a prejudice against and a fear of her wit, the paper considers three…

Discusses how speeches delivered at a 1960 dinner by then presidential candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon changed the face of political campaign rhetoric. Argues that both men used comic strategies to create a more inclusive American covenant, and emphasizes the importance of examining pragmatic and cultural implications of presidential…

American stereographs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries are discussed in the context of the Victorian stylized stereotype of women which they so graphically capture. Stereograph cards and early motion pictures from the Library of Congress were the major sources studied. Stereograph cards were as ubiquitous in their time as television is…

Demonstrates how education can be studied through folk literature and humor, using Seba Smith's folk hero, Major Jack Downing. Illustrates a broadened conception of what constitutes education and contributes to education other than schooling. (Author/CK)

Ludvig Holberg was an outstanding contributor to comedy and other branches of literature during the early 18th century. He advanced the movement later known as the Enlightenment, promoted the ideals of morality through humor and satire, and issued challenges to contemporary school and society. (RM)

Surveys research on children's literature and humor by professionals in the field. Presents an overview of pre-twentieth century books which indicate the main lines of development of humor in children's literature. (FMW)

Lists 29 books and articles that the author considers classics in the field of information science. The background and major ideas of each work are discussed, and information about authors is provided. Topics covered include economics of information, inventive insight, techno-sociology, personal information systems, humor, speech recognition,…

Reviews the use of humor in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Black Creole Jamaican literature and song. Concludes that irony is inherent in the creative expression of early Jamaicans and writers about Jamaica, arising from inconsistencies of attitudes of Blacks toward Whites and toward themselves. (FMW)

While many people think of folklore as part of the culture of rural, isolated, uneducated people, folklore has a much broader definition and can encompass all areas and be found among all people. Folklore tradition can include school fight songs, ghost stories, children's games, ethnic jokes, jump rope rhymes and family recipes, as well as…