Selected Works of Artemus Ward

'Selected Works of Artemus Ward' brings together a curated collection of the most celebrated writings of Charles Farrar Browne, one of the defining voices of nineteenth-century American humor. Writing under the persona of a traveling showman, Browne revolutionized American comedy through his use of eccentric vernacular, intentional misspellings, and a dry, deadpan wit that captured the imagination of a nation.The pieces included in this volume showcase Ward’s mastery of social satire and political commentary. From his observations on the absurdities of the Civil War era to his whimsical critiques of cultural institutions such as the Shakers and the Mormons, Ward’s writing offers a unique window into the social fabric of his time. His work was so influential that it earned the deep admiration of figures like Mark Twain and Abraham Lincoln, the latter of whom famously read Ward’s sketches to his cabinet.As a foundational text in the tradition of the American literary comedian, these works illustrate the development of a distinct national humor. This collection remains a vital resource for readers interested in the evolution of American satire and the enduring legacy of a writer who found profound truth within the ridiculous.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.