There is this about comedy: even when it's bad, it provides a sense of a secure existence, in which things are under control.

I certainly haven't finished writing about women and comedy - I've left out too many contemporary writers.

It features a panel of guests, discussing various topics about comedy.

As a writer he is known for his essays about entertainment and comedy.

Two weeks ago, he held an early celebration in the way you might expect, talking about comedy.

In an interview he made two basic observations about outrageous comedy.

In the interim, has TV taught him anything about comedy?

So it's all the stranger that he doesn't take more joy in writing about comedy.

Ask me what the most important thing is about comedy.

"It's so interesting to me that people talk about late-night comedy being cynical," he says.