I am currently soliciting abstracts of 250 words for essays to be included in a book which will examine the richness and relevance of Mel Brooks’ body of work, from its beginnings in stand-up comedy and improvisation, the broad farce and parody for which Brooks is so well known, his forays into drama and his success on Broadway. I welcome proposals that foreground Brooks’ significant contributions to American culture and comedy. Proposals may examine an individual or a number of Brooks’ works, Brooks’ work as a comedian or a dramatist, and Brooks as a writer, actor, director, or producer of television, film or on Broadway.

Proposals may consider but are not restricted to Brooks’ early stand-up comedy and improvisations, The 2000 Year Old Man, Brooks’ successful and his unsuccessful television series, anger and hostility in Brooks’ works, outrage in Brooks’ films, comedy as a weapon, Brooks’ use of carnival, Brooks’ use of parody, adaptations of Brooks’ works, Brooks’ use of satire, Jewish humor, characters and films based on Mel Brooks and his experiences, and genre satire.

I am asking for proposals by March 15, 2022. McFarland Press will be the publisher of this volume. Please feel free to contact me with any queries.