"The first full-scale sociological and psychological analysis of the functions of erotic folklore today... Draitser's analysis of Russian sexual jokes throws much light on aspects of Russian society and culture which have been largely ignored in the past.... Excerpts from the book would make excellent teaching material for courses in Russian culture, Russian folklore, cultural anthropology, and women's studies."

- Slavic and East European Journal

"Rich presentation and treatment of Russian sexual jokelore... Important, frank, and principled contribution to study of masculinity in Russia."

- Slavic Review

"Emil Draitser is the Noah Webster or Linneaus of Russian humor. His latest volume is raucous, insightful, and exhaustive."

- S. Frederick Starr, The John Hopkins University

"The best textual study of the Russian sexual jokelore thus far. There is no sexual script left un-examined in his discussion."

- Daniela S. Hristova, University of Cambridge

"An excellent resource for raunchy Russian humor..... The book is a study of the construction of masculinity in Russian humor and the role of sexuality in that construction. In order to illustrate these functions of wit, Draitser explores cultural standards of physical attractiveness and sexual behavior for men and women, as well as the themes of courtship, love, abuse, rape, marriage, impotence, and adultery."

- Journal of American Folklore

"Russian literature has its carnival literature tradition, an understandable interest in a society that has been repressive for so many for so long. However, carnival literature intellectualizes and sometimes even romanticizes in a fashion recognizable to Charles Bukovsky fans in the West. Draitser forces the reader's nose to the unfunny part of the comic, the dark side of Mark Twain's vision, which, even as we laugh, is no laughing matter. De facto matriarchy, in terms of burdens shouldered by women when men fail, has a heavy cost."

- Journal of Folklore Research

"Draitser's findings provide an interesting contrast with the moving depictions of love in Russian literary classics."

- Choice

"Draitser's book is a ride on the wild side for those who know Russians only from books, tourism, or political and business exchanges. In a rich context of folklore, high culture, ethnography, and the psychology of jokelore, the author presents a treasure house of ribald humor that opens the window wide to Russian masculinity, patriarchalism, and even neuroses. Welcome to a disturbing world of 'totally tasteless' humor that will arouse both laughter and abhorrence."

- Richard Stites, Georgetown University

"A delight to read and an important contribution to the fields of Russian history, ethnography, sociology, and folk culture."

- Canadian-American Slavic Studies