The author of a recently discovered book of Victorian jokes doesn’t have to worry though. And not just because he’s dead.
Dr Anne Featherstone, a lecturer in performance history at the University of Manchester, uncovered the material of a Victorian clown (apparently stand-up comedians actually wore clown gear) is an interesting look into what the Victorians found funny.
According to Dr. Featherstone the Victorians liked clever word-play and punning.
For example:
“Bad husbands are like bad coals – they smoke, they go out, and they don’t keep the pot boiling.”
“What’s the difference between a rowing boat and Joan of Arc? One is made of wood and the other is Maid of Orleans.”
Then there’s this classic:
Tom: Did you hear of that accident today? Three men run over by a railway train?
Ringmaster: Killed?
Tom: No, they were saved by a miracle – the train was going over the bridge and they were going under it.
Nobody’s mentioned the hand-written notes in the margins yet, such as, “this bombed,” and “Gadzooks this caused a giant sucking sound.”
BBC story: Victorian comic’s material