Oy! The Ultimate Book of Jewish Jokes

Minkoff began collecting jokes almost 50 years ago when he was 13. Six years ago, he launched his U.K.-based Web site awordinyoureye.com as "a repository for my vast collection of Jewish jokes." When Minkoff's jocularity brought popularity, his avocation turned into "a full-time job which required a lot of maintenance." With the site mushrooming to more than 1,760 jokes, it became the main source for this comprehensive collection, first published in London last year by Robson/Chrysalis. These Jewish japes and jests run the gamut from deft definitions, one-off one-liners, pithy puns, quizzes and ribald riddles to satirical songs and full-page humorous stories. Fresh, familiar or unfamiliar, all the jokes have been rewritten by Minkoff into his own style, and he has grouped gags thematically into various categories and subcategories. Spanning birth to death, the 86 topics feature more than 1,000 jokes: On circumcision: " 'It won't be long now,' said the rabbi as he circumcised the little boy." Marriage: "Q: Why are many Jewish girls still single these days? A: They have not yet met Dr. Right." Jewish telegram: "Begin worrying. Details to follow." On the 23rd Psalm for Jewish princesses: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He leadeth me into Bloomingdale's." The lack of cartoons may disappoint some readers, but even they will find that this clever kosher compilation generates giggles galore. (Aug. 22)