Featuring personal tangents and asides, Key examines "all facets of comedy, from the stock characters of commedia del arte in the 16th century to the rise of vaudeville and burlesque, the golden age of television comedy, the influence of the most well-known comedy schools, and ascension of comedy films and TV specials--all the way through to a look at the future of sketch on social media platforms. Part masterclass, part memoir, and ... embellished with ... commentary, The History of Sketch Comedy illuminates the essential building blocks of sketch comedy while interweaving Key's experiences of personal discovery and influence of his comedy heroes"--
