The book's description, ``Bob Hope's comedy history of the United States,'' is erroneous and misleading. The only comedy history dealt with is Hope's own (over 60 years in show business). For anyone who has read others of Hope's many books-- Have Tux, Will Travel , I Owe Russia $1200 --there is little in the way of new material. In fact, the earlier books provide more depth. However, for readers under 30 who do not know much (if anything) about the institution that is Bob Hope and for those who would like a refresher course, this book is a delight. Co-written with Shavelson (who wrote, produced, and/or directed some of Hope's movies), this rarely deviates from Hope's rapid-fire delivery. Hope has often been labeled a hawk, a title he disputes here. ``I was only a hawk when there was a chance that we could win and get out of Viet Nam quickly.'' A brief chapter updates his activities through 1989. Enjoy. Pictures not seen. Literary Guild main selection; previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 1/90.-- Paula M. Zieselman, Debevoise & Plimpton, New York
