Skiddoo!

George V. Hobart's Skiddoo! is a rollicking collection of comic sketches that captures the particular anguish of being human in early 20th century America. Our guide is John Henry, aeveryman whose comedic genius lies in his ability to transform the universal frustrations of daily life into grand theatrical grievances. Whether he's contorting himself into an upper berth on a sleeping car, enduring a Thanksgiving dinner prepared by the apocalyptic cook Ollie, or watching pathetic fireworks fail to explode on Independence Day, John Henry transforms mundane mishap into epic saga. The prose bristles with vernacular energy, each complaint building to ridiculous heights of indignant absurdity. What makes Skiddoo! endure is its fundamental truth: the small humiliations of travel, food, and holiday obligations haven't changed in a century. We're all still John Henry, still sleeping in uncomfortable places, still eating things we shouldn't, still standing around waiting for things to go bang. For readers who relish vintage humor that complains with style, this book is a ticket to ride.