The Rare Book Collection of the
Chicago Center for Literature and PhotographyI Kid You Not (1960)
By Jack Paar
First Edition, First Printing
DESCRIPTION: The 1960 memoir by comedian and early television personality Jack Paar. Originally a radio DJ in the 1930s, in World War Two Paar was assigned as a wisecracking USO emcee in the South Pacific. This brought him to the attention of Jack Benny, which is how he got involved with the national networks, first in radio then on TV in the '50s. He is most famously remembered now as the host of
The Tonight Show from 1957 to 1962, where among other infamous moments he once walked off the set during a live broadcast in protest of the network censoring one of his jokes. This memoir is a lighthearted look at all these moments, and filled with jokes and photos from his personal and family life.
CONDITION: Text: Fine Minus (F-). In otherwise great shape, except for a bit of dirt on the inside and outside covers. Dust jacket: Good Plus (G+). Although still in strong, tight condition, this dust jacket is quite dirty at this point, and suffers from multiple tears along virtually all edges, including small chunks along the bottom that are completely missing.
PROVENANCE: Acquired by CCLaP at After-Words Books, Chicago, June 2019.