Book description
"A boisterous debut ... the authors are as funny as one would expect ... this is a hoot." โPublishers Weekly "Will entice fans of Key & Peele ... a fun and funny primer on the art form." โBooklist Authors Keegan-Michael Key and Elle Key build on the popularity of their 2022 Webby Award-winning podcast and delve deeper into the world of sketch, helped along with new essays created expressly for the book by comedy greats. The History of Sketch Comedy will appeal to all kinds of comedy fans as well as fans of Keegan-Michael Key, whether they know him from his Emmy and Peabody-winning work on Key & Peele; his roles in Fargo, The Prom, Schmigadoon!, The Bubble, and the upcoming Wonka; voiceover work in The Lion King; or as President Barack Obama's anger translator, Luther. With epic personal tangents and hilarious asides, the Keys take you on an illuminating journey through all facets of comedy from the stock characters of commedia del arte in the 16th century, to the rise of vaudeville and burlesque, the golden age of television comedy, the influence of the most well-known comedy schools, and the ascension of comedy films and TV specials--all the way through to a look at the future of sketch on social media platforms. Along the way, we hear tales of Keegan's childhood, his comedy influences, and the vicissitudes of his career path. As the New York Times said in its review of their podcast, "this comedy nerd history is filtered through memoir, with Key relating stories of his budding fandom, training and rise from improv comic to television sketch artist." Part memoir, part masterclass, and hilariously embellished with priceless commentary, The History of Sketch Comedy highlights the essential building blocks of sketch comedy while interweaving Keegan's personal career journey and the influence of his comedy heroes. The text is complemented by original art by Elle Key and exclusive essays compiled from conversations with influential performers, sketch writers, and uber comedy fans including Mel Brooks, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mike Myers, Chris Rock, John Oliver, Tracy Morgan, Carol Burnett, Jim Carrey, Jordan Peele, and many more. This book is as entertaining as it is enlightening--a must-read for fans of comedy and all who aspire to comic greatness. EXPANDING THE HIT PODCAST: With content from the #1 trending, NAACP-award-nominated and Webby-Award-winning Audible podcast, and featuring new-for-the-book material as well as never-before-heard stories and essays, this book will be a hit for newcomers and avid listeners of the podcast alike. MASTER OF THE MEDIUM: Keegan-Michael Key is a bona fide maestro of comedy, with the chops, experience, and love for the history of the medium that make him the perfect expert on all things sketch. As co-writer Elle Key likes to say, "If Keegan-Michael Key was a guest lecturer at NYU teaching a course called 'The History of Sketch Comedy, ' it would be a very popular class." EXCLUSIVE ESSAYS: Keegan and Elle interviewed over a dozen comedy legends exclusively for this book, and got their takes on topics ranging from the influence of Saturday Night Live, to women in comedy, to the mathematics of sketch. Hear, in their own words, from Mel Brooks, Mike Myers, Jordan Peele, Julia-Louis Dreyfus, John Oliver, Tracy Morgan, Stephen Colbert, Carol Burnett, Chris Rock, Bob Odenkirk, Mike Birbiglia, Matt Lucas, Ken Jeong, Christopher Guest, Gary Oldman, Kevin Nealon, Laraine Newman, and Jim Carrey. GIFTABLE VOLUME OF COMEDY GOLD: Original illustrations and personal photographs throughout make this unique comedy book as visually entertaining as it is enlightening. The perfect gift for comedy fans of all ages as well as anyone aspiring to write, perform, or produce comedic art. Perfect for: Comedy lovers of all kinds Fans of Key & Peele Fans of improv, sketch, stand-up, and shows like SNL, MadTV, Monty Python, and Mr. Show Gift giving or self-purchase for established and aspiring comedians Readers of such bestsellers as Bossypants, Yes Please, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Born Standing Up, and Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama
Gbbledgoodk
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. ๐ถ๐ Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling โ audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. ๐ง๐ Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys โ this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful!
Frosty Snazz
Efficient audiobook enjoyment โ this app's functionality is a revelation. Chapters make navigation a breeze. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Hoover Spark
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. Simplifying audiobook management โ this app's functionality is a true asset. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality.
Plenty Orange
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. The features on this app, from bookmarks to playback speed, cater to all preferences. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. ๐ถ๐ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies โ my ears are in love! ๐ต๐ This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
RiddleRanger
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ๐ฅ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine โ this app is my secret weapon! โจ๐ ๐ฑ My pocket-sized library โ this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ๐๐ฑ Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go โ kudos to this app's functionality. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus.
Stickers
Noise reduction in ListenBook Pro ensures crystal-clear playback even in noisy environments. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
SneakerKid
The narrator's voices are so captivating, it's like they bring the stories to life. This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise.
Mud Eye
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. Effortless audiobook management โ this app's usability is a triumph. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Black Walnut
ListenBook's dedication to delivering high-quality sound and user-friendly features has won me over. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions! The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Alley Cat
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. Audiobooks have never been this immersive โ this app transports me to different worlds. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. ListenBookโs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
TrinitySoul
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ๐ Elevating my reading routine โ this app's functionality is the key to unlocking new worlds of storytelling. ๐๐
Wild Hair
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer โ my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Lincoln Rider
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. This audiobook made my workouts fly by! The engaging narration kept me motivated to keep listening, which meant longer gym sessions. The narrator's energy matched the material perfectly - upbeat when needed, somber when appropriate. A great example of how narration can enhance text.
Honey
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening.
JesterZilla
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. ListenBookโs interface is clean and intuitive. Itโs a joy to use.
Thrasher
ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments.
Shadow Bishop
With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. ๐โจ Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
Demand Chopper
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. ๐ง Navigating through narratives has never been simpler โ this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. ๐๐ซ ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Firefly Caramel
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now โ all thanks to this app. The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Seamless audiobook integration โ this app's functionality is truly remarkable. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling.
LyRz
I've never been this excited about my daily commute โ thank you, audiobooks! ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. Now I can enjoy my favorite lectures and speeches with ease! ๐ Rekindling my literary flame โ this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ๐๐
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience