A Laughable Empire: The US Imagines the Pacific World, 1840-1890

In the 19th century, American humor about the Pacific Islands and Pacific Islanders attempted to make the faraway and unfamiliar either understandable or incomprehensible. A Laughable Empire examines this archival corpus, demonstrating how jokes and humor functioned in the service of and resistance to US imperial ambitions. It also includes Indigenous voices and jokes lampooning Americans and their customs, showing how humor served as a cultural contact zone between the US and the Pacific world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2023
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

In the captivating tapestry of nineteenth-century America, a delightful array of jokes, comic anecdotes, and witty phrases emerged, aimed at unraveling the enigmatic and distant Pacific Islands and their inhabitants. These comedic creations sought to either enlighten or confound American readers, casting them in the role of "other." A Laughable Empire takes us on a fascinating journey through this vast archival corpus, seeking to unravel the intricate tapestry of nineteenth-century American humor about Hawai'i and the vast expanse of the Pacific world. Todd Nathan Thompson, a diligent archivist, has carefully collected and interpreted these comedic depictions, showcasing how jokes and humor played a multifaceted role in the service of and sometimes in resistance to the United States' imperial ambitions.

Thompson's research delves into an eclectic array of sources, including almanacs, periodicals, sea yarns, jest books, and literary comedy. Through his meticulous analysis, he unveils the intricate ways in which jokes and humor functioned, sometimes serving as tools to reinforce US imperial aspirations and other times challenging them. By incorporating Indigenous voices and jokes that humorously lampoon Americans and their customs, Thompson highlights the significant cultural contact zone that humor created between the United States and the Pacific world. He explores how nineteenth-century Americans and Pacific Islanders employed humor to perpetuate stereotypes, question them, "other" the unknown, and engage in playful interrogation of the very process of "othering."

A Laughable Empire is a meticulously researched and insightful work that offers a comprehensive documentation of American humor about Pacific geography, food, dress, speech, and customs. Thompson's writing is incisive and detailed, providing a rich tapestry of insights into nineteenth-century America's imperial ambitions and its profound anxieties. This book sheds new light on both the grandeur and the complexities of the era, offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between humor, culture, and power.

In conclusion, A Laughable Empire is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of nineteenth-century American humor and its profound impact on the understanding of the Pacific world. Through Thompson's meticulous scholarship and engaging storytelling, this book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complexities of cultural exchange and the power of humor to shape our perceptions of the world.

Weight: 513g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271095042