THE ONION BOOK OF KNOWN KNOWLEDGE A Definitive Encyclopedia of Existing Information

This brief selection of entries from The Onion's version of an encyclopedia is narrated with appropriate mock pomposity and affectation. Narrator Avery Sandford intones portentously, while June Bunt uses a businesslike, impersonal intonation, like the recorded voice that tells you "your business is important to us." The voices contrast humorously with the absurd material, the frequent obscenity, and one very raunchy section read by Bunt. But those last jokes wear wear a bit thin, and, in general, the voices become unwieldy when the narrators (especially Sandford) step away from the "text" and make supposed personal comments. Overall, not every entry is a winner, but many are quite funny. The writing carries the program, and the brevity keeps it enjoyable. W.M. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2013]