16th century, Europe, Italian, Italy, lexicon, primary source, quotes
Writing during the latter part of the European jester’s heyday, Giulio Landi (1498-1579) defined the buffone as one without limits to their laughter. It is an interesting definition of fools, complemented by others both more and less favourable. See, for...
historical figure, North America, quotes, research
From an excellent study of Pueblo Indian clowns in North America, this is a beautiful and limpid summary of the role of clowns, as apparently bestowed by the gods. In addition to healing through laughter, there is the fact of free access and free expression –...
20th century, English, primary source, quotes
This, in a delightful travelogue in 1930s Romania, caught my eye as a pithy and original definition of humour. I now keep it in mind as I re-visit examples of jesters using humour to rein in excess, be it self-indulgence by the king (boozing instead of reigning),...
