The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 7: Miscellaneous

This lively compilation gathers a handful of Artemus Ward’s most beloved sketches, each delivered in his unmistakable mix of colloquial banter and dead‑pan absurdity. The listener is invited into a world where a riverboat captain’s log becomes a comic odyssey, and ordinary scenes turn into exaggerated anecdotes that tease both the narrator and the audience.

The pieces wander from a chaotic cruise aboard the Polly Ann—complete with mis‑spelled entries, drunken captains, and slap‑stick riverfolk—to sharp, tongue‑in‑cheek commentaries on politics, religion, and everyday customs of 19th‑century America. Short poems, mock‑autobiographies, and satirical dialogues sit side by side, offering a snapshot of a bygone era filtered through a delightfully irreverent lens. It’s a charming, episodic ride that rewards listeners who enjoy quick wit, vivid character sketches, and a joyful poke at the quirks of past society.