It is a well-known fact that female comics have been a rare commodity in the entertainment field. The authors take a strongly feminist viewpoint in describing the experiences of over 50 women who did make it in this male-dominated area since the turn of the century. Dividing the century into 20-year segments, the authors give an overview of the type of comedy and comedians popular during each time period and follow up with short chapters on the careers and comedy styles of each of the best-known individuals. Until recently, to be accepted, female comics were forced to project a ``Dumb Dora'' or ugly image that audiences found nonthreatening. Written in a pedestrian style, with unsurprising conclusions, this is not a necessary item for most collections. Marcia L. Perry, Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield, Mass.
