John Corcelli - Outside Looking in: The Seriously Funny Life and Work of George Carlin

Nobody succeeds without the help of others, and so it was for me on this extraordinary journey into the life of George Carlin written during the COVID-19 pandemic. So it is with great appreciation, gratitude, indebtedness, and high regard that I recognize a few individuals in addition to thanking my family. First, special thanks to my wife, Helena, for her patience and support in my quest to write the best book possible about my favorite comedian. You are my favorite. Second, big hugs to Donald Brackett, Paul Kaliciak, and Dan Reynish for their comments on the original pitch that impressed John Cerullo at Rowman & Littlefield back in 2020. Thanks John! And to Chris Chappell, Barbara Claire, Laurel Myers, Della Vach, and Sally Rinehart at R&L.

Mark Rheaume played a significant role in recommending books with the best portraits of Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor, among others. Marks savant memory of television shows saved me from the rabbit hole that is the internet. To Tim Keele, whose keen insights regarding Lenny Bruce and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution helped shaped the narrative regarding freedom of speech. He also provided excellent feedback on selected chapters. Thanks to Bobby Tanzilo for going the extra mile regarding Carlins bust in Milwaukee in 1972.

And to Laurie Abkemeier, Dr. Stephanie Adams, Carlen Altman, T. J. Beitelman, Stephen Book, Cara Cockrum, Edwin Dumont, Suzanne Friedman, Fermand Garlington, Joe Mahoney, Tom Metuzals, Bev Reid, Joey Reynolds, Scott Saul, Judith and Laurence Siegel, Alicia Van Couvering, Terry Vosbein, Gretchen Young, Richard Zoglin, Barrie Zwicker, and the staff at the Toronto Public Library for responding to my questions in a timely fashion. You made a difference.

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