Laughter is unique to man. This delightful anthology presents some of the funniest extracts in English literature. David Timson starts with Anglo-Saxon riddles and continues with medieval memories, Tudor comic turns and Restoration buffoonery.

The rise of the novel in the 18th century bought classic humour from Swift, Sterne and Smollet, passing the mantle to Charles Dickens in the 19th century.

Included here are rarities as well, from the antiquarian's cupboard. There are also excerpts from children's literature and 20th century classics as diverse as Dorothy Parker and P.G.Wodehouse.

An entertainment from start to finish.

Music: From the Naxos catalogue