National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Mark Twain and American Humor
This lesson leads high school students through a greater understanding of the conventions of the literary device of "Humor," through a study of Mark Twain and the story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." A three-part...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: On Stage at the Kennedy Center: 2001 Mark Twain Prize: Twain and R
Use this instructional activity to study the lives of Mark Twain and Will Rogers. Analyze the writing styles of both authors, and identify the men as humorists who reflected and changed American culture.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: On Stage at the Kennedy Center: The 2001 Mark Twain Prize
This Teacher Resource from the Kennedy Center helps students examine where and how humorists derive the material presented to their audiences. Activities encourage students to analyze elements of humor and the style of entertainers, and...
PBS
Pbs: Benjamin Franklin: An Extraordinary Life: Franklin's Wit and Wisdom
Learn about Franklin's career as a writer and about his particular brand of humor in this five-part essay. Includes examples from his letters and from "Poor Richard's Almanack."
Other
Ellen's Place: Will Rogers 1879 1935
This page provides extensive information on the life and philosophy of Will Rogers.
Other
Ian Frazier: Coyote v. Acme
Review of "Coyote v. Acme," a collection of essays by Ian Frazier. The reviewer finds most of the essays very funny, especially the title essay.
C-SPAN
C Span American Writers: Will Rogers
Humorist Will Rogers is included as one of the writers whose works helped to change the society. Here's a biography, and links to other pages about Rogers.