Irvin Shrewsbury Cobb

Irvin Shrewsbury Cobb 1876-1944, American author, b. Paducah, Ky. He was a noted New York humorist and columnist. Although he wrote over 60 books, Cobb is best known for his humorous stories of Kentucky local color, first collected in Old Judge Priest (1915). Among his other books of humor are Speaking of Operations (1916) and Red Likker (1929).

Bibliography: See his autobiography, Exit Laughing (1942); study by F. G. Neuman (1934, repr. 1974).

Cobb, Irvin S[hrewsbury] (1876–1944), born in Paducah, Ky., after newspaper work in his hometown became noted as a New York journalist and humorous columnist. He wrote serious fiction, but is best known for his many books of humor, including “Speaking of Operations—” (1916), based on his personal experiences; To Be Taken Before Sailing (1930); and Incredible Truth (1931). The most prominent character in his short stories of Kentucky local color is Judge Priest, a kindly, hospitable old Confederate veteran, given to the frequent drinking of mint juleps and to active sympathy for those in distress. He figures in Old Judge Priest (1915) and many later collections. Cobb wrote the screenplay for and acted in Steamboat Round the Bend. Exit Laughing (1941) is Cobb's autobiography.