영어로 읽는 고전 _ 어빈 S. 콥의 웃음이 최고의 치료약이다
어빈 S. 콥의 "A Laugh a Day Keeps the Doctor Away"는 1923년에 출간된 유머 에세이집입니다. 이 책은 저자의 특유의 따뜻한 유머와 날카로운 관찰력을 바탕으로, 일상생활에서 마주치는 다양한 상황들을 유쾌하게 풀어낸 작품으로 총366가지의 유머가 실려 있습니다.
책의 제목은 널리 알려진 속담 "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"를 재치있게 변형한 것으로, 웃음이 가진 치유의 힘을 강조하고 있습니다. 콥은 이 책을 통해 삶의 고단함과 스트레스를 웃음으로 극복할 수 있다는 메시지를 전달합니다.
각 장은 독립된 에세이로 구성되어 있으며, 남부의 소소한 일상부터 도시생활의 익살스러운 순간들까지 다양한 이야기를 담고 있습니다. 저자는 특유의 스토리텔링 능력을 발휘하여 평범한 일상의 순간들을 유머러스한 관점에서 재해석합니다.
이 책의 특징은 단순한 웃음거리를 나열하는 것이 아니라, 인간의 본성과 사회의 모습을 유머러스하게 포착하면서도 그 안에 깊이 있는 통찰을 담아냈다는 점입니다. 콥은 독자들에게 웃음을 선사하는 동시에, 삶을 좀 더 긍정적으로 바라보는 시각을 제시합니다.
20세기 초반 미국 사회의 모습을 엿볼 수 있는 역사적 가치도 지니고 있으며, 시대를 초월한 유머와 지혜를 통해 현대 독자들에게도 여전히 의미 있는 메시지를 전달합니다.
이 도서는 당시 미국의 대중문학을 대표하는 작품 중 하나로 평가받고 있으며, 콥의 작품 세계를 이해하는 데 중요한 작품으로 여겨지고 있습니다.

Reading Classics in English _ A laugh a day keeps the doctor away by Irvin S. Cobb
Irvin S. Cobb's "A Laugh a Day Keeps the Doctor Away" is a collection of humor essays published in 1923. This book contains 366 humorous pieces based on the author's characteristically warm humor and keen observation, humorously solving various situations encountered in everyday life.
The title of the book is a witty variation of the well-known proverb "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," emphasizing the healing power of laughter. Through this book, Cobb delivers the message that the hardships and stresses of life can be overcome with laughter.
Each chapter is composed of an independent essay, and contains various stories, from the small daily lives of the South to the humorous moments of city life. The author uses his unique storytelling ability to reinterpret ordinary moments of everyday life from a humorous perspective.
The characteristic of this book is that it does not simply list jokes, but humorously captures human nature and the state of society while containing deep insight. Cobb presents a more positive perspective on life while making readers laugh.
It also has historical value as a glimpse into American society in the early 20th century, and delivers a message that is still meaningful to modern readers through timeless humor and wisdom.
This book is considered one of the representative works of American popular literature at the time, and is considered an important work for understanding Cobb's world of works.

Summary
"A Laugh a Day Keeps the Doctor Away" by Irvin S. Cobb is a collection of humorous short stories written in the early 20th century. This book showcases various anecdotes and comedic situations that highlight everyday life and human interactions, particularly in an American context. Cobb's distinctive wit and observational humor provide readers with a light-hearted experience, making it an enjoyable read for those looking to uplift their spirits. The opening of this collection presents a variety of amusing characters and scenarios, starting with a self-important stranger who boasts about his travels to California in a life-saving station while engaging fellow patrons in a humorous exchange. It continues with anecdotes such as a conversation between a lawyer and a cheerful man named Finnerty, who learns about an inheritance and comically struggles with his past drinking habits. The humor is steeped in rich characterizations, with exchanges that highlight misunderstandings and clever punchlines, setting the tone for the playful storytelling that defines the book.

Contents
1. The Untraveled Stranger
2. The Prudent Mr. Finnerty
3. Enough for Wilkins
4. Why the Major Didn’t Suit
5. Grandfather Laughed at This One
6. The Day Denver Was Surprised
7. And Worth the Money, Too!
8. The Spirit of Seventy-six, with Improvements
9. Protecting the Gentler Sex
10. Not at All Singular
11. Strictly in Confidence
12. He Didn’t Believe in Signs
13. Advice to Charlie Chaplin
14. What Aunt Myra Desired
15. When the Dawn of Understanding Came
16. As Translated into the English
17. Absolutely no Hurry about It
18. One Who Desired to Know
19. The Poor Aim of Mr. Zeno
20. Curing the Great Thirst
21. The Ways of the Army
….
366. Special Extra?To Be Read Only in Leap Year