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H. Allen Smith
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The Compleat Practical Joker Mass Market Paperback – January 1, 1955

by H. Allen Smith (Author)
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 21 ratings
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In original dust jacket by Charles Addams.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    227 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pocket Book
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1955
  5. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00197NS02
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pocket Book (January 1, 1955)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 227 pages
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4 ounces
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

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H. Allen Smith

H. Allen Smith

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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
21 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

susan snively
5.0 out of 5 stars one of the funniest books ever written
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2019
Verified Purchase
I came upon H. Allen Smith's *The Compleat Practical Joker,* a history of the practical joke, when my father read it and howled with laughter. I did the same--this was in the early 60's--and am grateful to reunite with this book. Royals from all over the world, "statesmen at play," Hollywood jokesters, literati like H.L. Mencken and Alexander Wollcott, have parts in this history. I wish there were more women jokesters in it, but that subject might tempt a writer who loves wacky research subjects.
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Kflier66
4.0 out of 5 stars A classic - parts are hysterically funny
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2019
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Copy came without a cover but otherwise in very good condition. I remember this book being in the house when I was a kid (a long time ago); I reread it frequently. Apparently our younger daughter, now married, loved it too, so I let her have it and, feeling a need to read it again, bought this one to replace it.
As others have noted, it's essentially a historical overview of practical jokes. Many of the best came from Hugh Troy (1906-64), and are brilliantly recounted in the book. Are the stories true? Some probably are, some are exaggerations.
In any event, a great read - enjoy.
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B. B. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the 10 funniest books I've ever read.
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2013
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I started reading H Allen Smith as a kid when I saw my father laughing until he wept as HE read H. Allen Smith. Before you take Prozak, read H Allen Smith. My sense of humor? Pretty inclusive: South Park, S J. Perelman, Lena Dunham, Mark Twain, Fawlty Towers, Jack Handey...Anyway, this book was my favorite in the Smith ouvre. The practical joke has gone out of style, but needs revival. Start here.
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Lawrence W. Skarin
4.0 out of 5 stars The Compleat Practical Joker
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2013
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This book -- removed from the shelves of the Waterloo (NY?)Public Library -- was one I remembered from a US Army library in Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

My favorite chapter chronicled the exploits of one Hugh Troy, who did much of his inventive trickery in Cornell -- Ithaca NY.

Had two pages vandalized, but otherwise in good shape, and those pages were quite readible.
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Wayne Wardwell
5.0 out of 5 stars Best joke book anywhere--no kidding!
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2017
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My son and I have to re-read this classic bit of humor every couple of years.The rhinocerus-foot waste paper basket story is as funny as any you'll read anywhere, as is the story about coming for the piano. This new copy will be his Christmas present...please don't tell him.
One person found this helpful
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John R. Bachtel
5.0 out of 5 stars What a find!
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2014
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Been looking for this book for years. My original paperback is no longer handle-able after 60 plus years.
This original edition in excellent, almost new condition. Slight scuff on dust jacket and very slight yellowing but thanks to Amazon and the seller.
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Did not receive.
3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2017
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Fun to reminisce with book I read n the 50's.
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Alan Denman
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2017
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funny
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