About this book
The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 1: Essays, Sketches, and Letters by Artemus Ward introduces the uproarious persona of Charles Farrar Browne, one of 19th-century America's sharpest humorists. Collected here are Ward’s satirical essays, comic sketches, and facetious letters that lampoon politics, show business, religion, and everyday life with deadpan timing and homespun logic.
These pieces—rooted in the mid‑1800s—capture the social currents of the antebellum and Civil War eras, from encounters with spiritualism and reform movements to witty takes on the press, woman’s rights, and public spectacles. Ward’s voice is both playful and pointed, using parody, tall tale, and faux‑formal correspondence to expose the absurdities of his time without sacrificing literary charm. Historical notes and contemporary biographical sketches frame the collection, illuminating why Artemus Ward became a touchstone for American humor.
Perfect for fans of classic literature and comic writing, this audiobook is ideal for listeners who enjoy satirical humor, historical wit, and the roots of American comic tradition—an entertaining window into the origins of modern American satire.
