Comedy is a broad and ancient art form with roots in various cultures and historical periods. It's a vast and evolving subject, with no one definitive source or "book" that covers it all.
However, you might be interested in some famous thinkers and writers who have contributed significantly to our understanding of comedy:
* Aristotle: The ancient Greek philosopher wrote about comedy in his work "Poetics," analyzing its elements and purpose.
* Plato: Another Greek philosopher, Plato offered his thoughts on comedy and its relationship to society.
* Bertolt Brecht: This German playwright explored the use of humor in his plays and theories, focusing on political satire and social commentary.
* Henri Bergson: This French philosopher theorized about the nature of laughter and the role of incongruity in comedy.
* Stephen Fry: A renowned comedian and writer, Fry has written extensively about the history and nature of comedy, including his book "The Fry Chronicles."
Instead of looking for a single "book of comedy," you might find it more helpful to explore these individual works and contemporary texts, which offer insights into different aspects and theories of comedy.