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The Art of Humorous Book Dedications: A Delightful Literary Tradition

Apr 2, 2018
1 min read

Updated: Mar 13

Collage of various book pages displaying text excerpts and dedications.

In the world of literature, where words wield the power to evoke emotions and transport readers to far-off realms, the dedication page is often an overlooked gem. Traditionally a space for authors to express gratitude or pay homage, it has evolved into a canvas for wit and humour, offering a delightful prelude to the narrative that follows.

Book dedication: For Ana, whose constant warmth I could not repay.

Quote: Dedicated to the strongest person I know: me on gray background. — Psychos by Babe Walker

Partial text: 'and Dad. Your support you gave me—made all'

Text: Dedicated to teachers who love kids but hate the crap.

Text message saying "Hi, Dad! *waves*" on a light background. — The Selection By Kiera Cass

Visible text 'for all the fat bottomed gi' on a white page. — Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy

Book dedication: For Julia, Jake, and Katherine. Because Julia is tired.

Book dedication page to cover artist Tom Percival. 'Keep pushing yourself, Tom.' — The End Of The World By Derek Landy

Book page: 'For Colin Firth, you're a great guy, but I'm married.' — Austenland By Shannon Hale

Printed text mentions feminazi, 'Revenge is best served cold, you jerk.'

Book dedication text: For Mum and Dad, Couldn't have done it without Your genetic material.

Book dedication page: 'This book is dedicated to the family members'.

Text reads: For Mom (Just skip over the sex scenes, please). — No Way Back By Matthew Klein

Funny dedication to parents, 'Sorry for denting coffee table with ninja swords.' — Beyond The Kingdoms By Chris Colfer

Script text: For those who can't even. A simple, relatable dedication.

Book dedication: "To my wife Marganit and my children...completed two years earlier." — An Introduction To Algebraic Topology By Joseph J. Rotman

Book dedication page with blacked-out text, humorous message to editor Nick. — Mortal Coil By Derek Landy

Book dedication: Wife supportive of a book about all women I slept with.

Book dedication text 'For my parents, e to my knowledge'.

Dedication: Carley, a better person than I am, even though a dog.

Book page with "TO" listing publishers, including Random House, Viking Press. — E.E. Cummings Self-Published his book With The Help Of His Mother And Dedicated It To The Fourteen Publishing Houses Who Turned The Collection Down

FOR EVERYONE WHO ONLY HEARS FROM ME WHEN I NEED SOMETHING — Admiral By Sean Danker

Close-up of printed text reading 'or you, you pervert, you'. — The Sexual Deviant In All Of Us By Jesse Bering

Book dedication page: "This book is dedicated to Laura."

Quote: For everyone with a red line in Microsoft Word.

Text reads: 'Ania, I love you; will you marry me?' on paper. — The Hidden Economics Of Pirates By Peter Leeson

Humorous text: "my wife Karen", "90% pat", "it doesn't add up to", "multitasks". — Moose Allain

#funnybookdedications

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