h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Interested to read about The Seven Tenets of comedy as decreed by The Romans. What source material is there on this? Which Roman dynasty laid the tenets down?

a) Can't remember, and b) Pass.

I wrote this a while ago, when I was at Uni and my best friend was a Film Studies student. One of his lecture courses was the history of comedy, and I latched onto some of his course books. They all stated there were seven tenets of comedy, but the number has varied up-and-down for a few years. Apparently the Greeks only had 4, but Shakespeare contains up to 11. It's not easily tracked and compartmentalized, of course, but it's fascinating stuff.

Glad you found the Entry - I'd pretty much forgotten about it.

B

Ah. I see.

If there's any way you can find out, i.e. via your friend if you are still in touch, then I'd be really grateful as I am writing a book about comedy!

I would happily credit you if you can supply more info. I can't see any other references to it on the net (but will try and find some academics to help) so am quite anxious to find out anything more.

Sadly, we lost touch a while ago.

I'll have a dig around my old email addresses and see what I can do, though.

B

That would be much appreciated! Thanks.

Hi,

No news I take it?

I have Classicists everywhere scratching their heads!

Julian

Sorry.

Nothing doing at the minute.

B

Any news? I found something called The Seven Types of Verbal Wit in a book called De Oratore by Marcus Tullius Cicero. I haven't actually seen a copy yet, but someone who has says it's not what I'm looking for. Ring any bells?

Julian

If it's all verbal wit, it doesn't sound like it.

I seem to remember the idea being buried deep in my pal's lecture notes (I hope he didn't make it up!), so if you're really keen, you might want to get onto the Film Studies department at Birmingham University.

B

Ok, ta. Am really keen as a book chapter depends upon it.

If you are able to get any more info, my email is [email protected]

By the way, if this piece is actually based on something tangible I'd be prepared to pay a small fee of £50 for its origin - if that helps.

Did you get hold of your mate ever?

I can't really just contact the film studies dept at Birmingham Uni unless I know who to contact (if they are still there) and who to contact them about.

If either of you could stump up some info I can credit you in the book for helping.

Meanwhile I am trying elsewhere but at the mo you are my only hope!

Julian