examines those things which prevent enjoyment of humour, and explores the values of comedic enjoyment.

Jerry Palmer is Professor of Communications at London Guildhall University and the author of numerous studies of popular culture, fiction, film and comedy.

INTRODUCTION Part I Occasions for humour 1 JOKING RELATIONSHIPS 2 CLOWNS AND RELIGION 3 MEDIEVAL COMEDY: FOOLS AND FOLLY Part II The functions of humour 4 FUNCTION AND FUNCTIONALISM 5 GENDER AND HUMOUR 6 FREUD Part III The structure of humour 7 INCONGRUITY 8 INCONGRUITY AND DISCURSIVE CUES 9 HUMOUR AND NARRATIVE STRUCTURE 10 COMEDY, FARCE AND NEO-CLASSICISM 11 MANNERS, WIT AND THE REFORM OF LANGUAGE Part IV The limits of humour 12 COMPREHENSION AND HUMOUR 13 PERFORMANCE AND OFFENCE