Never Shake Hands with a War Criminal

Never Shake Hands with a War Criminal is a personal and political history told with acid humor and a loving heart. Barry Crimmins, a writer and commentator on Air America Radio, travels from a skeptical childhood in frozen upstate New York, through the founding of the Boston comedy scene, to a career as a satirist and activist. No villain is spared; no hero is forgotten. Crimmins also cuts a hilarious swath through our political tormentors, in the spirit of Mark Twain, Will Rogers, and Lenny Bruce.“Barry is hilariously funny, but more important, his humor comes out of a deep intelligence, an extraordinary understanding of the world around him and an intense commitment to social change.” –Howard Zinn


“Barry Crimmins uses his sharp sense of irony as a political weapon. In his hands, the subversive joke is the first small act of resistance.” –Billy Bragg


“He breaks down reality in a hilarious way. He seems ticked off at everything, and when you hear him, you agree. One of the few political comedians who are really good.” –Steven Wright


“Like a mixture of Tom Paine and Mark Twain, Crimmins mixes politics and humor with savage results.” –Michael Blowen, The Boston GlobeBARRY CRIMMINS grew up in Skaneateles ("an Indian name meaning 'small lake surrounded by fascists'"), New York. In his time he has worked with many comedy greats, near-greats, and ingrates, and his exploits have included a stint writing for Dennis Miller. Crimmins lives in Troupsburg, New York.