'Laughs with . . .' series

S. Evelyn Thomas

World War Two books, some with Giles featured on the front cover. They measure about 8½"x5½" and contain between 48 and 96 pages with jokes and cartoons. Besides Giles, there is also work by Fougasse, Acanthus and others.

They appear to have been published by several publishers, P.J. Press (Northolt), George G. Harrap (London) and John England Publications (St. Albans). They were all compiled by S. Evelyn Thomas. How many were there in the series? How many had Giles cartoons in them? I don't know the answer I'm afraid, but I will update this page with any information received.

Apart from those shown here:

• Laughs around the Land
• Laughs with the Forces
• More Laughs with the Forces
• Laughs on the Home Front
• Laughs with the Lovelies [Giles on DW only]

I know there was:

• Laughs with Nurses
• Laughs Along the Lines [2 Giles]
• Laughter Ahoy
• Laugh with the Medics
• Laughs with the Workers [Giles cover]
• Laugh and Live Longer
• Laughs with the Navy
• Laughs with the RAF
• Laughs with the Home Guard [17+cover]
• Laughs Around the Wicket
• Laughs in Short Pants
• Laughter at the Wheel
• Laugh When You Travel [Giles cover]

There were other similar books, without the 'Laugh' in the title. I am not sure if they were really a seperate series as the format is identical.

• Many Happy Returns [Giles cover]
• RAF Parade [Giles cover]
• Humour of ARP

I would be interested to hear of others and to see images of those not represented here and which do or do not have Giles cartoons. They are undated but I have seen dates from 1935 to 1944 attributed to them.

Laughs around the Land

Laughs with the Forces
38 Giles cartoons

More Laughs with the Forces

Laughs on the Home Front

All images on this page are copyright Express Newspapers.

Comments and suggestions about these pages are welcome; mail me
Last updated: 4 September, 2002