The Ironic State
British Comedy and the Everyday Politics of Globalization
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Bristol University Press
Published:13th Jan '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£19.99(9781529208467)
What can comedy tell us about the politics of a nation?
In this book, James Brassett builds on his prize-winning research to demonstrate how British comedy can provide intimate and vital understandings of the everyday politics of globalization in Britain.
The book explores British comedy and Britain’s global politics from post-war imperial decline through to its awkward embrace of globalization, examining a wide variety of comedic mediums, such as the popular television show The Office and the online satire The Daily Mash. Touching on issues such as empire, the class system and capitalism, the author demonstrates how comedy offers valuable insights on how global market life is experienced, mediated, contested and accommodated.
“…a fascinating book... The Ironic State is an engaging study of the intimate relationship between comedy and politics, shedding light on how British comedians both resist and are constrained by the values and attitudes of the day.” International Affairs
"In this entertaining and incisive analysis, James Brassett historically traces British comedy through a broader global context. His creative counsel for a productive image of comedic resistance is one that has never been more urgent, or welcome, than today." Brent Steele, University of Utah
"A fascinating perspective on how British comedy is integrated into our lived experience of globalised culture, its historical sweep is brought bang up to date with ‘citizen satire’ in meme culture and global platforms for our star comedians. A timely and thoughtful study on the politics of comedy." Jane Arthurs, co-author of Russell Brand: Comedy, Celebrity, Politics
“Brassett’s meditations on British humour are incisive, provocative and often hilarious. Together they elegantly reveal comedy as a prism through which we critically reflect on our role in the world.” Chris Rossdale, University of Bristol
ISBN: 9781529208450
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
172 pages