Seeing Mad: essays on Mad magazine's humor and legacy

"Mad magazine stands near the heart of post-WWII American humor, but at the periphery in scholarly recognition from American cultural historians, including humor specialists.

This book fills that gap, with perceptive, informed, engaging, but also funny essays by a variety of scholars.

The chapters, written by experts on humor, comics, and popular culture, cover the genesis of Mad; its editors and prominent contributors; its regular features and departments and standout examples of their contents; perspectives on its cultural and political significance; and its enduring legacy in American culture"--.