Now in paperback -- one of America's greatest entertainers shares his favorite jokes and memories.

Bob Hope died at the age of 100 in July '03. His legendary career spanned the entire 20th century, from impersonating Charlie Chaplin in front of the firehouse in Cleveland in 1909 to celebrating an unprecedented 60 years with NBC in 1996. He entertained millions worldwide with his performances in vaudeville and on Broadway, on his top-rated weekly radio show, in beloved movies such as his Road pictures with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour, and, most notably, in the countless television appearances that made him a superstar and a welcome guest in every living room in the country.

With My Life in Jokes, readers can enjoy the very best of his humor and, in the process, learn about the amazing life and career of a true national treasure.

Bob Hope was at the forefront of the entertainment world for virtually his entire life. He traveled around the world to entertain the men and women in uniform during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. He received more than 2,000 awards and citations for his humanitarian and professional efforts and was honored and befriended by every U.S. president since Franklin Roosevelt. Linda Hope, Bob's daughter, is chief operating office of Hope Enterprises and producer of his television specials for the last 25 years. She lives in North Hollywood, California, and Ireland.

Linda Hope, who assembled this volume, clearly understands her father, Bob, and that his life can best be told through his jokes. To read them is to know how he felt on personal and political issues, and their topical, satiric nature makes them more biographically relevant than old material from most other comedians. Linda opens the book with a brief summary of her dad's life (he will turn 100 next month). Ten sections follow chronologically, from Hope's childhood to the present. Cracking about his birth, "when the doctor slapped me, I thought it was applause," the comedian sets the stage for a self-portrait of a man who adored performing and making people laugh above all else. In his 20s, he spoofed early show business bookings, after which he describes meeting singer and future wife Dolores Reade as "love at first song." From this point, the legend grows increasingly familiar, with references to the Road pictures and Hope's first appearance, in 1939, hosting the Academy Awards. Considering the current political climate, his recurring tours entertaining troops through WWII and the Korean War are of particular interest ("I was offering time and laughs-the men and women fighting the war were offering up their lives"). Another line is a humorously accurate testament to Hope's longevity ("I've been with NBC so long. I was here when the peacock was just an egg"). The quality of the jokes range from gently amusing to side-splitting, mildly sharp but never mean-spirited. After reading them, it's easy to understand Hope saying he'd like to live his life all over again because "it's been a hell of a ride." Photos. (May) Forecast: Given the mainstream media's current rage for supporting war and Hope's history as entertainer to the troops, this book could get lots of coverage from a nostalgic, patriotic angle. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Categories:

• Literature & Fiction
  
  
  • Humor & Satire
    • Satire