Today’s top stand-up comedians sell out arenas, generate millions of dollars, tour the world, and help shape our social discourse. So, how did this all happen? The History of Stand-Up chronicles the evolution of this American art form – from its earliest pre-vaudeville practitioners like Artemus Ward and Mark Twain to present-day comedians of HBO and Netflix. Drawing on his acclaimed History of Stand-up podcast and popular university lectures, veteran comedian and adjunct USC professor Wayne Federman guides us on this fascinating journey. The story has a connective tissue – humans standing on stage, alone, trying to get laughs. That experience connects all stand-ups through time, whether it's at the Palace, the Copacabana, the Apollo, Mister Kelly’s, the hungry i, Grossinger's, the Comedy Cellar, the Improv, the Comedy Store, Madison Square Garden, UCB, or at an open mic in a backyard. Praise for The History of Stand-Up "Packs so much in such a slim book. Smart and deeply researched. Should be required reading for comedy types. Really terrific." - Jason Zinoman, comedy critic The New York Times "Wayne Federman knows more about the history of stand-up than anyone I've ever known." - Jesse David Fox, senior editor Vulture "If you love comedy - buy The History of Stand-Up ." - Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, NETFLIX "If you're interested in stand-up history, Wayne Federman is your man. And this is the book . Immaculately researched." - Judd Apatow " The History of Stand-Up is a fantastic book. A great read. " - Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC's Tonight Show "Highly recommended. It's fascinating from beginning to end." - Dana Gould "Wayne Federman's History of Stand-Up is the ideal primer for anyone who wishes to understand how the art form came to be." - Kliph Nesteroff, author of The Comedians "Extremely extensive and interesting history of stand-up comedy that trances the evolution of this art form since pre-vaudeville times." - NPR National Public Radio "The History of Stand-Up is an absolute treasure. A very special book that's a must buy for stand-up comedy fans." - John Fugelsang - Sirius Radio "For stand-up comedians, wanna be stand-up comedians and fans of stand-up comedy. This book is an entertaining and educational tour of the art form from Minstrel Shows to Zoom. Highly recommend. " - James P. Connolly, The Bob and Tom Show "This book has it all. Absolutely riveting chronicle of stand-up's history. It's incredible how he tied the whole story together." - Patton Oswalt ​​​​​​ "Wayne Federman makes connections between the way things were in comedy and how they came to be the way they are today." - Forbes Magazine "A fascinating, and important, chronicle of stand-up comedy's evolution. It masterfully connects the dots from the vaudeville era to the Netflix generation." - Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of The National Comedy Center "Drawing on his immense knowledge of the subject, Federman traces the evolution of the art form, from its pioneering pre-vaudeville practitioners to contemporary comedians. Absorbing and highly detailed read." - 48 Hills "A wonderful history of stand-up comedians, from Artemus Ward to Richard Pryor." - KCRW 89.9 "An instant classic." - Jeff Umbro, CEO Podglomerate Wayne Federman is an Emmy-nominated stand-up, actor, author, producer, and professor. He has appeared in numerous television shows and films including  Curb Your Enthusiasm, Silicon Valley, Step Brothers,   Knocked Up, The X-Files,  and  Legally Blond e. Federman co-produced the Emmy-winning documentary  The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling  and is currently co-producing a George Carlin documentary for HBO. He is a tenured, adjunct professor of stand-up comedy history and performance at USC.