title: Greek Laughter: A Study Of Cultural Psychology From Homer To Early Christianity
author:  Stephen Halliwell 
description: '...a wide survey of Greek laughter from Homer to the early Christians...the introduction is quite the best brief overview of the role of laughter in any historical period that I have ever read... some of [Halliwell's] discussions are brilliant... The highlight is his discussion of Democritus, the fifth-century philosopher and atomist...' --TLS<br /><br />"Stephen Halliwell has written a monumental book on the notoriously volatile and elusive phenomenon of laughter. This book is an extraordinary resource. The trouble with laughter--and the delight of it--is that it impinges on practically every socio-cultural dynamic imaginable. Halliwell has given us a rich and remarkable starting point for thing about such dynamics. That is why every student of the ancient world should attend this book." --BMCR<br /><br />"...a book of great originality as well as immense range... it is remarkable how a chronological treatment also has a compelling thematic momentum: this is an exhilarating read." --The Anglo-Hellenic Review
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  In honor of beloved Virgil—
  
  “O degli altri poeti onore e lume . . .”
  
  —Dante, Inferno
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The publisher gratefully acknowledges the generous contribution to this book
  provided by the Jane K. Sather Professorship in Classical Literature Fund.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Laughter in Ancient Rome
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Laughter in Ancient Rome
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Laughter in Ancient Rome
  
  On Joking, Tickling, and Cracking Up
  
  Mary Beard
  
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