No little thorn in the flesh or irritating fly in the ointment, Zapiro just cannot be ignored.

It’s been another helluva year, and who better to make sense of it than Zapiro, political analyst, cartoonist and agent provocateur. He has the ability to knock the air out of us, to rock us back in our seats, to force us bolt upright with a 1000-watt jolt of electrifying shock. He makes us angry, he makes us laugh and he makes us think. He shines a light on the elephant in the room, presents the emperor in all his naked glory.

Impossible to brush off, he is determined to provoke a response. When all around is crumbling, when fake news and zipped lips conceal the truth, Zapiro comes to the rescue. With the dissecting eye of a surgeon, the rapier-like point of his pen exposes flimflam, and reveals with a line what lies behind the action.

Welcome back to Clarkson’s Farm.

So, that went well …

The spring barley crop failed. Just like the oil seed rape. And the durum wheat. Then the oats turned the colour of a hearing aid and the mushrooms went mouldy. Farming sheep, pigs and cows was hardly more lucrative. Jeremy would be better off trying to breed ostriches.

But in the face of uncooperative weather, the relentless realities of the agricultural economy, bureaucracy, a truculent local planning department and the world’s persistent refusal to recognise his ingenuity and genius, our hero’s not beaten yet. Not while the farm shop’s still doing a roaring trade in candles that smell like his knacker hammock, he isn’t.

On the face of it, the challenges of making a success of Diddly Squat are enough to have you weeping into your (Hawkstone) beer, but misery loves company and in girlfriend Lisa, Farm Manager Kaleb, Cheerful Charlie and Gerald his Head of Security Jeremy knows he’s got the best. And it’s hard for a chap to feel too gloomy about things when there’s a JCB telehandler, a crop-spraying hovercraft and a digger in the barn.

Because as a wise man* once said, ‘there’s no man alive who wouldn’t have fun with a digger …’

*Jeremy

Zapiro needs no introduction. His 19th annual speaks for itself.

No year would be complete without Zapiro’s annual collection of cartoons, and in this latest book of sharp-witted and well-timed cartoons, Zapiro once again proves himself a satirical genius, ensuring that no event passes by without comment … or a laugh.

After 32 years, Madam & Eve is still going strong and is back with more hilarious cartoons, looking back at another year of the crazy rollercoaster of daily life and politics in South Africa.

Madam & Eve cartoons appear regularly in the Mail & Guardian, The Star, The Saturday Star, Herald, Mercury, Witness, Daily Dispatch, Cape Times, Pretoria News, Diamond Fields Advertiser, Die Volksblad, EC Today, Kokstad Advertiser and The Namibian.

Madam & Eve is South Africa’s best reminder that we must laugh at ourselves as a society. The perfect gift for anyone wanting to understand South African politics.

The Concise Edition of this huge international bestseller - the 48 laws are illustrated through the tactics, triumphs and failures of great figures from the past who have wielded - or been victimised by - power.

The perfect gift book for the power hungry (and who doesn't want power?) at an excellent price. At work, in relationships, on the street or on the 6 o'clock news: the 48 Laws apply everywhere. For anyone with an interest in conquest, self-defence, wealth, power or simply being an educated spectator, The 48 Laws of Power is one of the most useful and entertaining books ever.

This book 'teaches you how to cheat, dissemble, feign, fight and advance your cause in the modern world.' (Independent on Sunday) The distilled wisdom of the masters -illustrated through the tactics, triumphs and failures from Elizabeth I to Henry Kissinger on how to get to the top and stay there.

Wry, ironic and clever this is an indispensable and witty guide to power. The laws are now famous:

• Law 1: Never outshine the master
• Law 2: Never put too much trust in friends; learn how to use enemies
• Law 3: Conceal your intentions
• Law 4: Always say less than necessary

Uncooperative animals, underperforming crops, and rather less than best-laid plans pursued with unbridled enthusiasm. Clarkson’s farm is the gift that keeps on giving.

But, as one overseas visitor* admitted, he only came to Diddly Squat because he just didn’t believe that Jeremy could be so incompetent.

Not one to be discouraged, however, our hero decides to bring his misunderstood entrepreneurial flair to bear on a new venture: a pub. And just a few short weeks later, the doors open on The Farmer’s Dog.

All British produce, Hawkstone beer on tap, a private bar for farmers and a vintage tractor hanging from the ceiling. The perfect country pub. A welcome distraction from sustainable farming initiatives, psychedelic wheat, angry protests in central London and a headbutting goat.

What, you may be asking, could possibly go wrong?

On top of the lavatories packing up and the electricity running out, you mean? As the Cotwolds’ newest publican quickly discovers, there’s a lot more to landlording than pulling pints.

Just as well, then, that he still has Lisa, Kaleb, Cheerful Charlie and Gerald to help him through. Especially now his doctor’s told him he’s got to become a vegetablist …

*along with the whole of the rest of China, apparently

Acutely perceptive, unequivocally funny and startlingly sincere, Hans Mackenzie Main presents a first unmissable collection of service provider correspondences and writings.

From fleeing a networking engagement to taking up residence in a lighthouse, from soft men to hard truths, Trust You’re Well covers topics both relatable and unheard of affording the world a first glimpse into the delightful inner-workings of a marvellously discontented consumer and correspondent. Here shopping habits, driving habits, recruitment practices and social media etiquette all come in for close scrutiny: inspected from a unique perspective that stands in stark contrast to the deeply humane and compassionate replies from everyday South Africans urging their compatriot to simply get on with it.

With the heartfelt frustration of a law-abiding citizen and the keen wit of a weathered civilian, Trust You’re Well is a joyfully cathartic purge of the highest satiric order that’s bound to leave you in tears.

It is impossible to talk about 20th century comedy without discussing George Carlin.

Named the 2nd greatest standup of the 20th century by both Comedy Central and Rolling Stone, Carlin garnered multiple gold records, 4 Grammys, 6 Emmy nominations, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. He was the first host of SNL, appeared on the Tonight Show some 130 times, and acted in beloved films like Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Dogma. Dubbed "the dean of counterculture comedians," George Carlin was an American icon.

A perfect introduction for new fans and a worthy addition to the collections of old fans, The Best of Carlin showcases the longevity, range, and - above all - hilarity of the master. Filled with thoughts, musings, questions, lists, beliefs, curiosities, monologues, assertions, assumptions, and other delicious verbal ordeals, it is drop-dead funny tour through Carlin's mind.

More than ten years after his death, Carlin's characteristically ironic takes on life's annoying universal truths remain thoughtful, fearless, and somehow more relevant than ever.

Discover the tales behind the ties in Stephen Fry's witty companion to our most distinguished accessory, the perfect gift for the tie-wearer in your life.

'A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life' Oscar Wilde

'What do ties matter, Jeeves, at a time like this?' 'There is no time, sir, at which ties do not matter' P.G. Wodehouse

Every single one of Stephen Fry's ties - whether floral, fluorescent, football themed; striped or spotty, outrageous or simply debonair - tells an intimate tale about a moment in Stephen's life. Inspired by Stephen's hugely popular Instagram posts, this book will feature beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations and photographs to celebrate his expansive collection of man's greatest clothing companion: The Tie, in all its sophisticated glory.

Distinctively funny and offering witty asides, facts and personal stories, this book will make the perfect gift for anyone who has ever worn a tie.

Mask on! Mask off! Covid restrictions might be lifted, but the infectious laughter continues!

Madam & Eve, South Africa’s favourite and longest-running comic strip, takes a satirical look back at yet another roller coaster year of Covid-19 lockdowns, Eskom load shedding, corrupt and inept politicians, Zondo Commission reports, Home Affairs queues, a burning parliament and millions hidden in presidential farm furniture…

Join the beloved cast of Madam, Eve, Mother Anderson and Thandi, and a host of supporting characters, as they unmask the funny side of daily life in this mad country that is South Africa. Proving, once again, that laughter IS the best vaccine in these challenging times.

Written and drawn by Stephen Francis and Rico Schacherl, Madam & Eve has been tickling South Africa’s national funny bone since 1992!

No little thorn in the flesh or irritating fly in the ointment, Zapiro just cannot be ignored.

It’s been another helluva year, and who better to make sense of it than Zapiro, political analyst, cartoonist and agent provocateur? He can knock the air out of us, rock us back in our seats and force us to bolt upright with a 1000-watt jolt of electrifying shock. He makes us angry, he makes us laugh, and he makes us think. He shines a light on the elephant in the room, presenting the emperor in all his naked glory. Impossible to brush off, he is determined to provoke a response.

When all around is crumbling, when fake news and zipped lips conceal the truth, Zapiro comes to the rescue; with the dissecting eye of a surgeon, the rapier-like point of his pen exposes flimflam and reveals with a line what lies behind the action.

Join award-winning cartoonist Carlos Amato as he takes you on a wild ride down the corridors of recent history. From vaccines to Vladimir, from GNU to Uncle Scam, Carlos takes no prisoners as he hammers on our collective funny bone. A barnstorming selection of the best of his work over the past eight years.

'n Splinternuwe, skitterende versameling kortverhale deur Nataniël. 20 in Afrikaans en 8 in Engels. Skreeusnaaks, aangrypend, wys, onvoorspelbaar en -- soos altyd -- hoogs vermaaklik.

Soos gewoonlik delf hy goud uit sy kinderjare -- oor sy ouers, sy ouma -- maar daar is ook fantastiese en fantasmagoriese verhale oor sy lewe as sanger op plattelandse dorpies, oor 'n vreemdeling wat hom een aand in sy huis help om sy vrese te besweer, en hoe 'n mens jou eerste reus oorwin . . .

Duduza. Bopha. Imbiza. Phapha. Asixoliseni. Amapopeye . . . What is the power of a single word?

Six days a week, advertising creative Melusi Tshabalala posts a Zulu word on his Everyday Zulu Facebook page and tells a story about it. His off-beat sense of humour, razor-sharp social observations and frank political commentary not only teaches his followers isiZulu but also offer insight into the world Melusi inhabits as a 21st century Zulu man.

Over the past few months he has built up a big and a loyal following that include radio host Jenny Crwys-Williams and Afrikaans author Marita van der Vyfer. He pokes fun at our differences and makes us laugh at ourselves and each other.

Melusi asks critical questions of everyone, from Aunty Helen, Dudu-Zille to Silili (Cyril Ramaphosa) and even Woolworths (why are their aircons always set on ‘jou moer’?). His fans love him for his honesty and commitment to pointing out subtle and overt forms of prejudice and racism.

Melusi’s Everyday Zulu holds up a mirror that shows South African society in all its flaws and its sheer humanity. Most importantly, he shows the power of words and that there’s umzulu in all of us!

Bettina is wyd bekend vir haar weeklikse rubrieke vir LitNet en as iemand wat opstaan vir reg en geregtigheid.

Sy het haar 50 gunsteling-meningstukke gekies en sê: “My rubrieke is nie bedoel om net nog 'n eggokamer te wees waar mense nét dit weerspieël sien waarin hulle glo nie. Juis nie. Wat ek hoop om elke week te doen is om mense aan die dink en aan die gesels te kry.”

Wonder Woman, Amazon Princess; Asterix, indefatigable Gaul; Ozymandias, like Alexander looking for new worlds to conquer. Comics use classical sources, narrative patterns, and references to enrich their imaginative worlds and deepen the stories they present. Son of Classics and Comics explores that rich interaction. This volume presents thirteen original studies of representations of the ancient world in the medium of comics. Building on the foundation established by their groundbreaking Classics and Comics (OUP, 2011), Kovacs and Marshall have gathered a wide range of studies with a new, global perspective. Chapters are helpfully grouped to facilitate classroom use, with sections on receptions of Homer, on manga, on Asterix, and on the sense of a 'classic' in the modern world. All Greek and Latin are translated. Lavishly illustrated, the volume widens the range of available studies on the reception of the Greek and Roman worlds in comics significantly, and deepens our understanding of comics as a literary medium. Son of Classics and Comics will appeal to students and scholars of classical reception as well as comics fans.

The first book in twenty-five years from “one of our great comic minds” (The Washington Post) features Seinfeld’s best work across five decades in comedy.

Since his first performance at the legendary New York nightclub “Catch a Rising Star” as a twenty-one-year-old college student in fall of 1975, Jerry Seinfeld has written his own material and saved everything. “Whenever I came up with a funny bit, whether it happened on a stage, in a conversation, or working it out on my preferred canvas, the big yellow legal pad, I kept it in one of those old school accordion folders,” Seinfeld writes. “So I have everything I thought was worth saving from forty-five years of hacking away at this for all I was worth.”

For this book, Jerry Seinfeld has selected his favorite material, organized decade by decade. In this “trove of laugh-out-loud one-liners” (Associated Press), you will witness the evolution of one of the great comedians of our time and gain new insights into the thrilling but unforgiving art of writing stand-up comedy.