This book offers a new take on literary wit as a singular form of discourse — one that is fundamentally different from wit, humor, and laughter in nonliterary contexts. Michelson moves beyond outmoded assumptions and canonical authorities to explore how wit can transform fiction, plays, and poetry. He develops a fresh definition of literary wit that emphasizes brevity, eloquence, and surprise and gives special attention to the power and provenance of the modern epigram.

Learn More