Funny Peculiar: Gershon Legman and the Psychopathology of Humor by Mikita Brottman – A Radical Psychological Study of La

Introduction

Why do we laugh at jokes that are cruel, obscene, or uncomfortable? In Funny Peculiar: Gershon Legman and the Psychopathology of Humor, Mikita Brottman takes readers on a provocative journey into the dark underbelly of laughter. This hardcover edition from Routledge challenges the conventional belief that humour is a force for liberation and goodwill. Instead, Brottman argues that laughter is deeply rooted in fear, aggression, shame, and anxiety. Through the lens of the controversial figure Gershon Legman—a sexologist, bibliographer, and collector of dirty jokes—this book redefines how we understand comedy. For Indian readers, students, and scholars of psychology, literature, or cultural studies, this work offers a fresh, unsettling perspective on why we find things funny.

Book Overview

Funny Peculiar is not a typical humour book. It is a rigorous exploration of the psychopathology behind laughter, drawing heavily on the life and ideas of Gershon Legman. Legman, who worked with Alfred Kinsey and compiled landmark works like Rationale of the Dirty Joke and No Laughing Matter, believed that humour cannot be separated from sexuality. Brottman uses Legman’s framework to dissect jokes, laughter, and the body’s response to the comical. She rejects the idea that humour is inherently positive, instead linking it to darker emotions. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to go beyond surface-level comedy and understand the psychological forces that make us laugh—often at the expense of others or ourselves.

Key Highlights

• Original Perspective: Challenges mainstream humour theory by focusing on the negative emotions behind laughter.
• Focus on Gershon Legman: Provides a detailed account of Legman’s life, work, and controversial ideas about sex and humour.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Blends psychology, sexology, literary criticism, and cultural analysis.
• Engaging Writing: Brottman’s prose is accessible yet scholarly, making complex ideas understandable.
• Hardcover Edition: A durable, premium binding perfect for libraries and serious readers.

Inside the Book

The book is structured around Legman’s key works and ideas. Brottman examines how jokes function as a release for repressed sexual and aggressive impulses. She delves into the anatomy of the dirty joke, showing how it mirrors societal taboos. The book also explores laughter as a physical, almost involuntary response tied to shame and anxiety. Through case studies and analysis of classic jokes, Brottman reveals the hidden psychopathology that drives humour. Readers will encounter discussions of Freud, Kinsey, and Legman himself, making this a rich text for those interested in the history of psychology and humour studies.

Key Topics

• The psychopathology of laughter and humour
• Gershon Legman’s life and contributions to sexology
• The relationship between humour, sex, and aggression
• Freudian theories of jokes and the unconscious
• The role of shame and anxiety in comedic pleasure
• Cultural taboos and the dirty joke tradition

Reader Benefits

By reading Funny Peculiar, you will gain a deeper understanding of why humour is not always harmless. You will learn to analyse jokes critically, recognising the underlying emotions they express. This book also introduces you to Gershon Legman, a fascinating yet overlooked figure in the history of psychology and humour. For students, it provides a solid foundation in psychodynamic approaches to comedy. For general readers, it offers a thought-provoking alternative to feel-good humour books. The hardcover format ensures that this volume will last for years, making it a valuable addition to any personal or academic library.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the psychodynamic origins of laughter and humour.
• Critically evaluate popular theories of comedy.
• Analyse jokes as expressions of fear, aggression, and shame.
• Appreciate the contributions of Gershon Legman to humour studies.
• Connect humour to broader themes in psychology and culture.

Who Should Read

• Psychology Students: Those studying abnormal psychology, psychoanalysis, or emotion.
• Literature and Cultural Studies Scholars: Readers interested in the intersection of humour, taboo, and society.
• Comedy Enthusiasts: Anyone who wants to explore the darker side of laughter.
• Indian Readers: Those curious about cross-cultural perspectives on humour and sexuality.
• Researchers: Academics working on humour theory, sexology, or the history of psychology.

About the Author

Mikita Brottman is a professor of English and a psychoanalytic literary critic. She has written extensively on the darker aspects of culture, including true crime, horror, and humour. Her work often explores the boundaries between the normal and the pathological. In Funny Peculiar, she brings her expertise to bear on the psychopathology of humour, offering a unique and challenging perspective.

About the Publisher

Routledge is a leading global academic publisher known for its high-quality books in the humanities, social sciences, and behavioural sciences. This hardcover edition reflects Routledge’s commitment to scholarly excellence and enduring physical books. For Indian readers, Routledge titles are widely respected in universities and research institutions across the country.

Conclusion

Funny Peculiar: Gershon Legman and the Psychopathology of Humor is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the real reasons we laugh. It is a bold, intellectually rigorous book that will change how you think about comedy. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply a curious reader, this hardcover edition from Routledge is a valuable investment in your understanding of the human mind. Order your copy from Bookshops.in today and discover the unsettling truth behind the joke.