Baggy Pants Comedy

Davis has succeeded in writing a definitive history of burlesque comedy in America. Well written and intelligently critiqued, this is a very timely book because there has been a revival of burlesque itself. Davis knows this field better than anyone. - Lawrence E. Mintz, Associate Professor Emeritus, American Studies, University of Maryland<br> An impressive document. It is accessible, enjoyable, and highly readable, while fully exploring and explaining the historical, cultural, and mechanical complexities of raucous burlesque comedy. Davis has rescued an art form - the art of Abbott & Costello and countless other comedy greats - from slipping into cultural anonymity. - Andrew L. Erdman, author of Blue Vaudeville <br> Davis has gone well beyond peeling back and revealing historical and technical specifics of burlesque comedy and has forged an invaluable work of desired reading for comics, comedians, and clowns. - Hovey Burgess, Master Teacher of Circus, New York University and Dramaturg, Circus Flora<br> Both funny and informative. He writes about the old-style shticks, bits, and routines as if he were dancing in front of you. Or maybe better yet, alongside of you. He brings this lost world to life in a vivid and memorable way. - Rachel Shteir, Associate Professor of Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism, DePaul University and author of Striptease: The Untold History of the Girlie Show <br>