While in Germany, Gene had read up on ideas of humor, and entertained the notion that a "History of Humor" would prove a good seller. The book was to start with "The Smile," such chapters to follow as: "Feeling Good;" "Pleasant Thoughts;" "Why We Laugh Over the Ridiculous?" "Whims;" "Practical Jokes;" "Fixed Ideas;" "Naiveté;" "Blue-stockings;" "Old Maids," and so forth.

He jotted these chapters down on the marble top of our table in the Cafe Royal, and I copied the list. I think the above is pretty complete.