The Leacock Medal Treasury: 4 Decades of the Best of Canadian Humour

P.J. Kemp was a journalist living in Brigham, Quebec.

Judging from what is considered “humorous” in publishing circles, it would appear Canadians aren’t particularly blessed with a sense of humour. Of the 37 selections included in this anthology, most are pleasant enough excerpts from possibly equally pleasant books, but only a couple actually provoke a chuckle.

The humour tends to be somewhat broad, often dependent on silly names, slapstick situations, and curiously rendered accents. Children would enjoy most of it; adults might get a kick out of Paul Hiebert, Morley Torgov, and Max Ferguson. But mostly, few of the anthologized writers are able to match the original dry wit of Stephen Leacock, and one wonders how it is decided to whom the Leacock Medal should be awarded every year.