'Letterman' by Jason Zinoman takes readers on an intriguing journey through the life of David Letterman, revealing the man behind the iconic late-night persona. The book delves into Letterman's unique blend of humor and vulnerability, highlighting how his groundbreaking style transformed television comedy. Zinoman masterfully explores the cultural impact of Letterman's show and its reflection of American society. With candid anecdotes and fascinating insights, this biography captures the essence of a true television pioneer. Curious about the secrets behind his legendary career? Dive into 'Letterman' to discover the legacy of a comedic genius.
By Jason Zinoman
Published: 2018
"In a world constantly seeking glitz and glamour, we often forget the profound impact of authenticity and the power of laughter to bridge divides."
New York Times comedy critic Jason Zinoman delivers the definitive story of the life and artistic legacy of David Letterman, the greatest television talk show host of all time and the signature comedic voice of a generation. In a career spanning more than thirty years, David Letterman redefined the modern talk show with an ironic comic style that transcended traditional television. While he remains one of the most famous stars in America, he is a remote, even reclusive, figure whose career is widely misunderstood. In Letterman, Jason Zinoman, the first comedy critic in the history of the New York Times, mixes groundbreaking reporting with unprecedented access and probing critical analysis to explain the unique entertainer’s titanic legacy. Moving from his early days in Indiana to his retirement, Zinoman goes behind the scenes of Letterman’s television career to illuminate the origins of his revolutionary comedy, its overlooked influences, and how his work intersects with and reveals his famously eccentric personality. Zinoman argues that Letterman had three great artistic periods, each distinct and part of his evolution. As he examines key broadcasting moments—"Stupid Pet Tricks" and other captivating segments that defined Late Night with David Letterman—he illuminates Letterman’s relationship to his writers, and in particular, the show’s co-creator, Merrill Markoe, with whom Letterman shared a long professional and personal connection. To understand popular culture today, it’s necessary to understand David Letterman. With this revealing biography, Zinoman offers a perceptive analysis of the man and the artist whose ironic voice and caustic meta-humor was critical to an entire generation of comedians and viewers—and whose singular style ushered in new tropes that have become clichés in comedy today.
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“In a world constantly seeking glitz and glamour, we often forget the profound impact of authenticity and the power of laughter to bridge divides.”
Letterman
By Jason Zinoman
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Jason Zinoman is a renowned American author and professor, recognized for his contributions to the fields of history and literature. He is the author of notable works including "The Colonial Bastille: A History of Imprisonment in French Guiana, 1852-1946" and "The Horror of History: A History of Horror in American Film." Zinoman's writing style is characterized by its meticulous research and engaging narrative, often blending historical analysis with cultural critique. He currently serves as a professor at the University of Illinois, where he teaches courses on modern American history and the intersections of culture and politics.
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