Books for an aspiring comedian?

Dave!

Hi there,

My brother is in his late 30s and has developed a big interest in trying his hand at standup comedy. He hasn't actually done it before because he is sh*tting himself about the whole thing

He has a few times signed up for courses for beginners, but has backed out.

I wouldn't want to put him under pressure by signing him up again, but I'd like to maybe nudge him a bit by getting him a book or something like that.

Are there any good books which people would recommend for someone like my brother? Maybe something about how comedy works behind the scenes, how to get through a performance, getting started, etc? Any books that tend to always be recommended for beginners, basically

Thanks

zoobizoo

Jimmy Carr had a book, Just Jokes I think about writing material.

There is another book about writing and crafting jokes, not sure what it's called.

Jerry Seinfeld's documentary "Comedian" is worth a look as are some autobiographies (I liked Frankie Boyle's but also Frank Skinner's which tells about the life of a giggin comic).

Check out chortle.co.uk and their forum... might get some more responses there.

DBIreland

There are two books by Stewart Lee out there. Basically it is transcripts of about 4 of his shows with loads of footnotes explaining things about the set (like inspiration or alternate lines etc). I found it really interesting, may be of some use to your brother.

Dave!

Thanks

Actually Stewart Lee's "How I Escaped My Certain Fate" is the one I ordered Saw it recommended a few times in other threads.

Cheers