Review of "Phyllis Diller’s Marriage Manual," by Phyllis Diller

 Review of

Phyllis Diller’s Marriage Manual, by Phyllis Diller

Five out of five stars

Jokes from a comedy pioneer

 Phyllis Diller should be hailed as not only a comedy legend, but also as a pioneer. Many modern female comedians openly give her credit for being a role model and paving the way for their careers. She was the first female comedian to become a household name with her exaggerated act features of her wild hair, unusual clothing, a laugh that was more of a cackle and her self-deprecating style of humor. She was also open about the many incidents of cosmetic surgery she underwent. She also wrote all of her own material and was an icon in the gay community.

 As the title implies, the jokes in this book deal with marriage. Presented as from personal experience, they are the self-deprecating Diller at her best. She pans herself as much as her “husband,” the mythical “Fang.” They are somewhat dated, as in her heyday jokes that are critical of relatives such as a spouse or in-laws were common, well-used material. It can be argued that Diller would not have been the national success she was if she did not operate with this subject matter. At that time, strong female personalities did not play well with a great deal of the public.

 If this book is read with this contextual aspect in mind, then it will be enjoyed. If you are someone buried in the modern mindset of very narrow comedy, then you likely will not find most of the jokes funny.