Classic comedy routines and individual gags have been around for literally hundreds of years; the best of these ribticklers making their merry way through theater, circus, film and television. The challenge to comedians has always been to adapt familiar material in a way that emphasizes their personal perspective, style and approach. The many routines and gags cited in this illustrated history are lovingly deconstructed to demonstrate the manner in which they have been modified to suit different eras and different performers. It is a testament to the indestructability of these tried and true laugh-provokers that, through all the remakes, revivals, recycles and revamps, they have managed to survive to the present day. As these timeless comedy gems are traced to their beginnings and followed through the years, readers are taken on a mirthful journey from Keystone to Zombieland.