Comic Lives
The world of the stand-up comic is spotlighted here in a surprisingly serious analysis replete with interviews with numerous performers. Although many of those featured are far from household names, most of them have appeared in comedy clubs and in some instances on national TV. The tension and pressure involved in trying to make people laugh is graphically expressed by such comics as Jay Leno, David Brenner, Steven Wright, and Carol Leifer. The ultimate goal is to appear on the Johnny Carson or David Letterman late night showstheir impact is pervasive. Borns appears to have little appreciation of the old-time comedians, and there is little about their influence on today's comics. Not for all libraries, but a uniquely individualistic study. Samuel Simons, Memorial Hall Lib., Andover, Mass.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.