Charles Farrar Browne, the First Standup Comedian

Nov 18, 2024

Delve into the life of Charles Farrar Browne, often hailed as the first stand-up comedian. Discover his rise from a tough childhood to becoming a humor pioneer, captivating audiences, including Lincoln, with his unique comedic style. Explore the strong friendship between Browne and Twain, highlighting their influence on 19th-century comedy. Reflect on Browne's tragic early death and his lasting legacy, which inspired generations of comedians. The journey through humor's evolution is both poignant and entertaining, celebrating a forgotten figure in history.

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Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

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Exploring the Legacy of the First Stand-Up Comedian

02:29 • 2min

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From Idyllic Childhood to Early Career in Humor Writing

04:47 • 5min

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The Birth of American Humor: Charles Farrar Browne

09:17 • 10min

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The Rise of Artemis Ward: Comedy's Pioneer

18:56 • 10min

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The Friendship of Browne and Twain

28:27 • 7min

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The Legacy of Artemis Ward

35:53 • 11min

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Celebrating Cats and Thanksgiving Traditions

46:38 • 3min

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The celebrated jumping frog of Calaveras County

Mark Twain

The story, narrated by an unnamed narrator who visits Simon Wheeler in Angels Camp, California, revolves around Jim Smiley, a gambler who bets on anything from horse races to the health of the local parson's wife. Smiley trains a frog named Dan'l Webster to jump high and long, but is deceived by a stranger who fills the frog with lead shot, causing it to lose a jumping contest. The tale is a classic example of Mark Twain's humor and storytelling, highlighting the themes of gambling, deception, and the cultural differences between the East and West.

#42847

The autocrat of the breakfast-table

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table is a series of essays by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., presented in the form of conversations among a group of boarders at a breakfast table. The essays cover a wide range of topics, including literature, philosophy, and social issues, reflecting Holmes's wit and intellectual curiosity. The book is known for its conversational style and its blend of humor and insightful observations. It showcases Holmes's ability to engage readers with his engaging prose and thought-provoking ideas. The book's enduring appeal lies in its timeless themes and its exploration of the human condition.

Artemus Ward, His Book

Charles Farrar Browne

Artemus Ward, His Book, is a collection of humorous sketches and anecdotes by Charles Farrar Browne, writing under his famous pen name. The book showcases Browne's satirical wit and commentary on American society and politics of the time. It features his signature blend of tall tales, witty observations, and playful use of language. The book's popularity cemented Browne's status as a leading humorist of his era, influencing other writers like Mark Twain. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless humor and insightful social commentary.

Artemus Ward Among the Mormons

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Charles Farrar Browne

Artemus Ward Among the Mormons is a humorous account of Browne's travels through Utah, offering satirical observations on the Mormon culture and beliefs. The book reflects the prevailing societal fascination with and misconceptions about Mormonism at the time. Browne's characteristic wit and humor are present throughout, but the book also reveals some of his biases. Despite its satirical nature, the book provides a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of 19th-century Utah. It remains a significant work in Browne's oeuvre, showcasing his ability to blend humor with social commentary.

Artemus Ward in London

Charles Farrar Browne

Artemus Ward in London chronicles Browne's experiences during his successful tour of England. The book captures the energy and excitement of his performances, blending humorous anecdotes with observations on English society and culture. It showcases Browne's adaptability as a performer, incorporating elements of physical comedy and spectacle into his act. The book also reveals Browne's deteriorating health and the toll his demanding schedule took on him. It serves as a fascinating glimpse into the life of a celebrated humorist on tour.

Artemus Ward, His Travels

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Charles Farrar Browne

Artemus Ward, His Travels, is a sequel to Browne's highly successful first book, continuing his humorous observations and satirical commentary. This book expands on his persona's travels, offering witty anecdotes and tall tales from his journeys. It maintains the same style and tone as the first book, further solidifying Browne's reputation as a master of humor. The book's popularity contributed to Browne's growing fame and cemented his place in American literary history. It remains a testament to his unique comedic voice and sharp social commentary.

Charles Farrar Browne is often called the first standup comedian. He was, in the 1860s, wildly famous, but his early death, and the soaring career of one of his friends, have contributed to Browne fading from the spotlight in history.

Research:

“Born 1834; Married 1835. Artemus Ward’s Alleged Widow Claims His Estate.” The Savannah Morning News. April 15, 1891. https://www.newspapers.com/image/852548808/?match=1&terms=artemus%20ward
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Artemus Ward". Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Artemus-Ward
Dahl, Curtis. “Artemus Ward: Comic Panoramist.” The New England Quarterly, vol. 32, no. 4, 1959, pp. 476–85. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/362502
Hingston, Edward P. “The Genial Showman, Reminiscences of the Life of Artemus Ward.” London: Chatto and Windus. 1881. https://archive.org/details/genialshowmanrem00hingiala/page/n5/mode/2up
Hofferth, Micah. “Charles Farrar Browne, the Sometimes-racist Father of Standup Comedy.” Vulture. Feb. 28, 2012. https://www.vulture.com/2012/02/charles-farrar-browne-the-sometimes-racist-father-of-standup-comedy.html
“Mark Twain on Artemus Ward.” The Albany Evening Journal. Nov. 29, 1871. https://twain.lib.virginia.edu/roughingit/lecture/awlectaj.html
Reed, John Q. “Artemus Ward’s First Lecture.” American Literature, vol. 32, no. 3, 1960, pp. 317–19. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/2922080
Seitz, Don C. “Artemus Ward.” Harper & Brothers. 1919. Accessed online: https://archive.org/stream/artemuswardchar00seituoft/artemuswardchar00seituoft_djvu.txt
“Ward, Artemus (1834-1867).” The Vault at Pfaff’s, Lehigh University. https://pfaffs.web.lehigh.edu/node/54123
Ward, Artemus. “The Complete Works of Artemus Ward.” https://www.gutenberg.org/files/6946/6946-h/6946-h.htm#bio

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