Books like A Futile and Stupid Gesture by Josh Karp
A definitive account of National Lampoon and Doug Kenney, the book chronicles the magazine’s origins, its vibrant 1970s New York comedy scene, and its pivotal role in giving rise to televised and cinematic successes such as *Animal House*, *Caddyshack*, and *Saturday Night Live*. Drawing on over 130 interviews—including Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, P. J. O’Rourke and others—the work offers an intimate look at the personalities and creativity that propelled the publication into a cornerstone of American humor.
First publish date: 2006
Genre: Biography & Autobiography/Biography
Authors: Josh Karp
★
★
★
★
★
0.0 (0 community ratings)
How are these books recommended?
The books recommended for A Futile and Stupid Gesture by Josh Karp are shaped by reader interaction. Votes on how closely books relate, user ratings, and community comments all help refine these recommendations and highlight books readers genuinely find similar in theme, ideas, and overall reading experience.
Have you read any of these books?
Your votes, ratings, and comments help improve recommendations and make it easier
for other readers to discover books they’ll enjoy.
Books similar to A Futile and Stupid Gesture (11 similar books)
Norm Macdonald’s humorous fictional memoir blends true anecdotes—from his rural Canadian upbringing to his SNL years—with imaginative storytelling, offering a reflective journey through the life of a celebrated comedian.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
An autobiographical account of Craig Ferguson’s journey from Glasgow to Hollywood, detailing his struggles, setbacks, and eventual success as an actor, comedian, and U.S. citizen.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Ron Jeremy’s autobiography reveals the life of the famed pornographic actor who transitioned from adult films to mainstream entertainment, detailing his early ambitions, Hollywood attempts, and the challenges of pursuing legitimate acting.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A heartfelt memoir that follows Billy Crystal’s comedy career while honoring the one‑day weekly bond he shared with his hardworking father.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Jokes change from generation to generation, but the experience of the stand-up comedian transcends the ages: the striving and struggles, the tragedy and triumph. From the Marx Brothers to Milton Berle, George Carlin to Eddie Murphy, Conan O'Brien to Louis C. K.—comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff presents a century of fascinating rebels, forgotten stars, and characters on the precipice of fame in this essential history of American comedy.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Comedian Frank Skinner, the father of the 'laddish and philosophical' BBC show 'The Frank Skinner Show', shares his hilarious and honest account of his life and career.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Rain Pryor chronicles her complex upbringing as the daughter of comedy legend Richard Pryor, revealing both his genius and his turbulent life.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
An intimate oral history of rock legend Warren Zevon, told by his wife Crystal Zevon and drawn from over eighty interviews with music and cultural icons.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Life and legend of comedian Andy Kaufman, explored through seven years of research, unpublished writings and interviews in Bill Zehme’s comprehensive biography.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Some Other Similar Books
The Age of Brady: Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the Biggest NFL Dynasty Ever by Michael HolleyThe Wild Bunch: Sam Peckinpah, a Revolution in Hollywood, and the Making of a Band of Outlaws by Bob Potts
The Funny Man: Tom Hanks and the Art of Comedy by Lawrence Grobel
Superbad: The Battle for Hollywood's Most Wanted Title by Jon Blart
The Insider's Guide to Hollywood's Golden Age by William J. Mann
Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-up in the American Vortex Changed the World by Richard Zoglin
This Is Spinal Tap: The Official Book by Rob Reiner
The Complete Memoirs of the Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey
The Goodtimers: My Life in Hollywood's Golden Years by Steve Allen
The Last Laugh: Spiritually and Politically Engaged Comedy by Marta Gómez
Have a similar book in mind? Let others know!
Please login to submit books!