The work is divided into two primary parts that bridge ancient theories with practical historical examples:
: The book analyzes the Philogelos ("The Laughter Lover"), which is considered the oldest surviving joke book in the world. La Risa En La Antigua Roma Mary Beard epub
: It explores three main factors of Roman laughter: mockery/ridicule of a victim, responding to the unexpected, and psychological relief from tension. The work is divided into two primary parts
: Beard examines ancient and modern theories of laughter, including those of Pliny the Elder and Galen, while questioning if modern readers can ever truly "get" a Roman joke. responding to the unexpected
: Beard investigates the relationship between laughter and power, including the role of the orator (like Cicero) and the tension between emperors and jesters.