Inside Comedy: The Soul, Wit, and Bite of Comedy and Comedians of the Last Five Decades 

By David Steinberg

352 pages

Published July 13, 2021

“Insecurity combined with arrogance is good DNA for a comedian. So is anger, aggression, and sadness.” That’s the first sentence of David Steinberg’s Inside Comedy, described by one reviewer as “a lifelong story of comedy and its brilliant careers, told by a consummate insider.”

It’s an easy, upbeat read. Funny. Insightful.

Critical Reception 

* “In his new, entertaining, and enlightening book, [Steinberg] gives a reader a colorful and personal panorama of the laugh makers he has known, plenty of them.” (Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune)

* “Steinberg paints deep and intimate portraits of the comedians we know and love. He tells us their life stories, how they found comedy, and gives us insight into who they really are. In doing so, he also takes us through the development of comedy over the past several decades.” (Molly Sprayregen, Associated Press)

* “Steinberg’s recollections are as vivid as they are hilarious.” (Michael Ruzicka, Booklist)

About David Steinberg 

David Steinberg is a comedian, actor, writer, director, and author. At the height of his popularity, during the late 1960s and early 1970s, he was one of the best-known comics in the United States. His directing credits include episodes of Seinfeld, Friends, Mad About You, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Golden Girls, and Designing Women.

Steinberg appeared on The Tonight Show more than 150 times. Click here to watch a clip of his first appearance.