Sambo

The Rise and Demise of an American Jester

By: Joseph Boskin

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Paperback | 19 September 1988

At a Glance

Paperback
276 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.59 x 13.97 x 1.58

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Before the tumultuous events of the 1960's ended his long life, "Sambo" prevailed in American culture as the cheerful and comical entertainer. This stereotypical image of the black male, which developed during the Colonial period, extended into all regions and classes, pervading all levels of popular culture for over two centuries. It stands as an outstanding example of how American society has used humor oppressively.
Joseph Boskin's Sambo provides a comprehensive history of this American icon's rise and decline, tracing the image of "Sambo" in circuses and minstrel shows, in comic strips and novels, in children's stories, in advertisements and illustrations, in films and slides, in magazines and newspapers, and in knick-knacks found throughout the house. He demonstrates how the stereotype began to unravel in the 1930s with several radio series, specifically the Jack Benny show, which undercut and altered the "Sambo" image. Finally, the democratic thrust of World War II, coupled with the advent of the Civil Rights movement and growing national recognition of prominent black comedians in the 1950's and '60's, laid Sambo to rest.

Industry Reviews

"One of those rare works whose appearance must provoke astonishment that no previous author has ever tackled it."--American Quarterly "A major contribution to an important topic in Afro-American history. Boskin has written a book that is both readable and informative and will add substantially to the scholarship in the field."--Journal of Southern History "Intriguing, witty, and often insightful social history."--The New York Times Book Review "A major contribution to the study of stereotypes, the history of theatricals and other entertainments in America, and the analysis of material culture in the United States."--The Philadelphia Inquirer "A model of American studies methodology and a premier popular culture study of a troublesome, yet fascinating American icon....A signal contribution to the study of the influence of popular culture upon American race relations."--CHOICE "Deserves a reading by everyone interested in race and American popular culture. Highly recommended."--Library Journal "A good investment for readers who want to know how it really was."--West Coast Review of Books "This is very good--I will probably assign it the next time I teach my American humor course."--Dr. Thomas Altherr, Metropolitan State College "An excellent book."--L. Cassuto, Fordham University, Lincoln Center "A first-rate addition to cultural history."--Booklist "Intriguing, witty, and often insightful social history."--The New York Times Book Review

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Society & Culture Social Groups Ethnic Studies Black & Asian Studies Cultural Studies Popular Culture History Regional & National History History of the Americas Politics & Government Arts & Entertainment

Dance & Other Performing Arts Religion & Beliefs Christianity Christian Worship, Rites & Ceremonies

An Epitaph Read Backward in Time	p. 3
As His Name Is, So Is He	p. 17
Ladies and Gentlemen: Your Attention, Please! Would You Welcome The First American Entertainer Sambo!!	p. 42
And Performing Today at Balls, Circuses, Theatres Picnics, Churches, Schools, and Prisons--The Indomitable, Spirited, Laughing... Jim Crow, Esquire!!	p. 65
Impressions in Boldface	p. 95
Prismatic Projections	p. 121
The Camera Eye	p. 148
The Radio Ear: The Odd-Couples Connection	p. 164
The Fool as an Emancipator	p. 198
Notes	p. 225
Index	p. 245
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.

Sambo

The Rise and Demise of an American Jester

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

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