Schott's Miscellany 22 October 2009
VICTORIAN JOKE BOOK
The personal joke book of Thomas Lawrence (c.1820-96), long considered one of the finest Victorian clowns, was discovered in 2007. His gags included:
What's the difference between a rowing boat and Joan of Arc? One is made of wood and the other is Maid of Orleans.
You know I'm very fond of the ladies--
I say bless those wives that fill our lives,
With little bees and honey.
They ease life's shocks, they mend our socks--
But can't they spend the money.
Bad husbands are like bad coals--they smoke, they go out, and they don't keep the pot boiling.
Groucho Marx (1890-1977)