Summary
The Best American Humorous Short Stories, edited by Alexander Jessup, is a curated anthology of classic short fiction by celebrated American authors, capturing the wit, satire, and comedic spirit of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Spanning several decades, the stories reflect a distinctly American sense of humor—ranging from dry and ironic to slapstick and farcical.
The collection includes timeless pieces such as:
"The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" by Mark Twain – a tale of absurd bets and a frog with a curious reputation.
"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O.
Henry – a hilarious reversal of a kidnapping gone terribly wrong.
"The Night the Ghost Got In" by James Thurber – a domestic comedy involving a phantom and a panicked household.
Each story offers not just laughter, but also social commentary, poking fun at the quirks of human nature, class, rural life, and urban absurdity.
Jessup’s selections showcase the early development of American comedic writing and preserve its unique voice and cultural flavor.