Summary:
"The Wit and Humor of America, Volume I" by Marshall P. Wilder is a collection of humorous writings edited by Wilder, likely created in the early 20th century. This anthology features a wide range of comedic pieces, including poems, short stories, and anecdotes from various American authors, aiming to showcase the unique styles of American humor. The collection includes works from notable figures such as Mark Twain and Oliver Wendell Holmes, and reflects the lighthearted, satirical spirit of the time. The opening portion of the anthology introduces readers to the theme of humor through Wilder's foreword, where he extols the virtues of laughter and the individuals who evoke it. He emphasizes the joy and value in humor and highlights several prominent humorists, mentioning their distinctive styles and contributions to the genre. This section lays the groundwork for the subsequent selection of humorous pieces, which promise to entertain and provoke laughter, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the delightful and varied expressions of American wit. (This is an automatically generated summary.)