Steve Allen

Steve Allen (1921-2000) was an American television pioneer, comedian, musician, and prolific author who wrote more than 50 books across multiple genres. He is best known as the original host of The Tonight Show and for creating innovative television formats that influenced late-night entertainment for decades to come. As an author, Allen wrote extensively on subjects ranging from comedy and entertainment to social commentary and philosophy. His notable works include "How to Be Funny" (1987), which broke down the mechanics of humor, and "Dumbth: The Lost Art of Thinking" (1998), which examined critical thinking in American society. Beyond his entertainment-focused writing, Allen produced serious works on religious skepticism and social issues, including "Meeting of Minds" (1978), based on his television series featuring historical figures in dialogue. His autobiography "Hi-Ho, Steverino!" (1992) provided insights into the early days of television and his multifaceted career. Throughout his literary career, Allen maintained a strong interest in jazz music and wrote several books on the subject, including "The Horn Blows at Midnight" (1981) and various songbooks featuring his own compositions. His writing style combined intellectual depth with accessibility, reflecting his background as both an entertainer and a serious thinker.

Readers appreciate Allen's clear explanations of complex topics, particularly in his books on comedy and critical thinking. "How to Be Funny" receives consistent praise for its practical breakdown of humor techniques. One reader noted: "He explains comedy like a scientist, but never loses the fun." His media criticism and social commentary books draw respect for their research depth. Readers highlight "Dumbth" for its still-relevant observations about declining critical thinking, though some find his tone too pessimistic. Common criticisms include repetitive examples and occasional condescending language. Several readers of "Meeting of Minds" mention the dialogue format can feel forced. His jazz writings receive mixed feedback - musicians praise the technical accuracy while casual readers note the dense musical terminology. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "How to Be Funny": 3.8/5 (412 ratings) - "Dumbth": 3.9/5 (167 ratings) Amazon: - "Hi-Ho, Steverino!": 4.2/5 (28 reviews) - "Meeting of Minds": 4.4/5 (31 reviews)

Murder on the Glitter Box (1954) A mystery novel featuring radio detective Steve Allen pursuing a murderer through the broadcasting industry.

The Public Hating (1955) A science fiction story about a public execution using psychic energy from a stadium crowd.

Mark It and Strike It (1960) An autobiography covering Allen's early life and career in entertainment.

Bigger Than A Breadbox (1967) A collection of humorous essays and observations on contemporary American life and culture.

The Wake (1972) A novel examining the interactions between guests at an Irish-American wake in Chicago.

Dumbth: The Lost Art of Thinking (1989) A non-fiction analysis of critical thinking and the increasing lack thereof in modern society.

Meeting of Minds (1978-1981) A four-volume collection of transcripts from Allen's PBS series featuring historical figures in conversation.

How to Be Funny (1987) An instructional book on comedy writing and performance based on Allen's career experience.

Make 'em Laugh (1993) A comprehensive examination of comedy throughout history, including analysis of different comedy styles.

Steve Allen on the Bible, Religion & Morality (1990) A critical examination of religious beliefs and their impact on moral reasoning.

Johnny Carson wrote about entertainment and humor from an insider perspective, drawing from his years as a TV host. His autobiography shares insights into show business and comedy writing similar to Allen's works.

Dick Van Dyke chronicles his experiences in early television and entertainment, including his time working in the same era as Steve Allen. His memoirs cover the evolution of TV comedy and variety shows.

Jonathan Winters produced books that showcase his stream-of-consciousness comedy style and improvisational techniques that Allen praised. His written work captures the same era of comedy development that Allen wrote about.

Carl Reiner wrote extensively about the golden age of television and his experiences as a comedy writer and performer. His books cover many of the same entertainment industry figures and events that appear in Allen's work.

Mel Brooks documents the behind-the-scenes world of comedy writing and performing from the same time period Allen worked in. His books contain similar insights into the creative process and development of American comedy.