This book is the first detailed study of Woody Allen's life and work, and an original attempt to locate Allen's work in the great tradition of American popular culture. It explores that inimitable New York Jewish voice in the themes, dreams, hopes and hidden meanings of Allen's urban humour, with countless examples of Allen's own hilarious comic lines.

Graham McCann is a British author and historian who has written extensively on film and television stars and British comedy series. He is a former lecturer and fellow at the University of Cambridge where he taught social and political theory.