Richard Raskin Books

Focusing on eight major Jewish jokes, this book offers an in-depth analysis of their histories, variants, and the interpretive possibilities of their punchlines. It highlights the unique characteristic of Jewish humor, which allows for multiple interpretations beyond wordplay. Additionally, it explores the evolution of these jokes over time and across cultures, particularly their transition from European to American contexts. The study reveals the dynamic nature of Jewish humor and its capacity to provoke diverse attitudes toward its comedic figures.

Exploring the concept of yin yang in short films, Raskin introduces a groundbreaking framework that redefines these terms as ungendered and free from patriarchal influence. Yin represents qualities like openness and interpretation, while yang embodies structure and control. The book analyzes ten exemplary short films, demonstrating how this model enhances understanding of their narratives. It includes detailed, illustrated breakdowns of the films, many presented in color, along with useful links for further exploration.