American comedian, Jerry Seinfeld needs little introduction! His first book in 25 years is a collection of his best work, spanning five decades in comedy.
Jerry is perhaps most well known for playing a semi-fictionalised version of himself in the television sitcom, Seinfeld, which ran for nine seasons. Ending in 1998, it became one the most influential television comedies.
However, Jerry’s comedy career began when he first performed in a New York club in 1975. Thankfully, he has saved literally every scrap of material he has ever written.
“Whenever I came up with a funny bit, whether it happened on a stage, in a conversation, or working it out on my preferred canvas – the big yellow legal pad – I kept it in one of those old-school accordion folders,” says Jerry.
“So I have everything I thought was worth saving from forty-five years of hacking away at this for all I was worth.”
In Is This Anything? Jerry has curated his favourite material, organised by decade. This results in the collected works of one of the great comedians of our time, also providing insight into the art of writing stand-up comedy.
What I enjoyed most, was the evolution of Jerry’s material, reflecting moments in time and culture. The entertaining commentary that links his material, also provides further context. Is This Anything? is the ideal gift book for fans of the genre and Seinfeld aficionados.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy Simon & Schuster, RRP $49.99