In the ’60s, Lenny Bruce changed stand-up comedy forever, from shtick to incisive political and sociological commentary that was at times abrasive and confrontational with the audience. He led the way for comedians such as Richard Pryor, George Carlin, David Letterman, Steve Martin and Andy Kaufman, who would wage a comedy revolution in the ’70s that has continued to shape how we laugh and think ever since.

Taking a cue from Easy Riders, Raging Bulls, Time writer/editor Richard Zoglin analyzes the importance of each entertainer and his work, while throwing in enough firsthand anecdotes and inside dirt to keep you turning the pages. Not to be missed for the comedy buff.

Grade: A

Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-Up in the 1970s Changed America is currently available.