The United States of Absurdity cover art

The United States of Absurdity

Untold Stories from American History

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The United States of Absurdity

By: Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, Patton Oswalt - introduction
Narrated by: Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds
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About this listen

The creators of the podcast The Dollop present illustrated profiles of the weird, outrageous, NSFW, and downright absurd tales from American history that you weren't taught in school.

The United States of Absurdity presents short, informative, and hilarious stories of the most outlandish (but true) people, events, and more from United States history. Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds cover the weird stories you didn't learn in history class, such as 10-Cent Beer Night, the Jackson Cheese, and the Kentucky Meat Shower, accompanied by full-page illustrations that bring each historical "milestone" to life in full-color.
Americas United States Comedy Funny Witty

Critic Reviews

"The United States of Absurdity, a new book from the hosts of the American history podcast The Dollop, couldn't have picked a better time to arrive. Think of it as A People's History of the United States for the slightly lazy."
—NPR.org

"If my history teachers in high school had been half as smart and one-tenth as entertaining as Dave and Gareth, I could probably tell you who fought in the Spanish-American War today.”
—Josh Olson, Oscar-nominated screenwriter for A History of Violence

“This book, just like The Dollop, will teach you things you'll wish you had learned in history class. I dare you not to be equal parts fascinated, horrified, and in stitches.”
—Al Madrigal, actor and comedian, The Daily Show

"Dave and Gareth have created an amazing record of historical eccentricities which, while hysterically informative, has thus far only been available for your ears. This book will take The Dollop into the uncharted territory of your eyes. And hopefully, if my many requests are heeded—there will be a scented version."
—Chris Hardwick, @midnight and Talking Dead

"The United States of Absurdity is so funny that it makes me want to kidnap Dave and Gareth, keep them in a basement, and then live out their identities as my own…which would still not be the weirdest story in this book."
—Wil Anderson, stand-up comedian, television host, writer, and podcaster

“Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds could make anything funny. This book is proof. Good thing they decided to use their powers for good to educate the masses with the lessons we can learn from history. Even the parts of history that make us vomit in our mouths a little.”
—Ronny Chieng, stand-up comedian and correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
All stars
Most relevant
like an episode of the Dollop just longer
like an episode of the Dollop just longer

like an episode of the Dollop just longer

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I've listened to the podcast and then hearing this and getting boiled down refresher course made me remember all the crazy shit that has happened. I'm now doing back to the podcast to re-listen to slot if these stories.

excellent introduction!

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Love the book. Love the audio book. But most of all, Love Gareth Reynolds.
Wil Anderson sent me

Just marry me already Gareth

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Very short book. Not sure that it was worth the credit to purchase it. But was quite humorous, if not interesting

A very short book

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