The Union of the State: Book Chronicles the Oral History of Comedy Legends from NYU to MTV and Beyond

buzzz worthy. . .

     

SAN FRANCISCO, March 29, 2016  -- "The Union of The State" by author Corey Stulce is the untold, uncensored story of the most influential and prolific comedy troupe of the last twenty-five years — and a unique tale in the history of show business. It will be released in print, Kindle, and eBook formats on Tuesday, May 3, 2016.

"The members of The State are my heroes, my peers and my friends. Individually and collectively they are responsible for an impressively large percentage of everything funny that currently exists in the world. For comedy nerds like me, it's essential reading." — "Weird Al" Yankovic

The book, "The Union of The State," is an oral history of the acclaimed troupe's creation, dissolution, reinvention and reunion, told by all members of the group:

Kevin Allison Michael Ian Black Robert Ben Garant Todd Holoubek Michael Patrick Jann Kerri Kenney-Silver

Thomas Lennon Joe Lo Truglio Ken Marino Michael Showalter David Wain

The book also includes commentary from State collaborators:

Paul Rudd Keegan-Michael Key Chris Meloni Janeane Garofalo Mo Willems, best-selling children's book author Rob Corddry, creator of "Children's Hospital"

A.D. Miles, Head Writer for "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" Doug Herzog, President of Viacom James Dixon, agent for Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Cast and crew from "Wet Hot American Summer," "Reno 911!" and more

"I have to tip my cap to "The State" because when I was in graduate school, they were what I watched. They were the thing." — Keegan-Michael Key

The book follows the members of The State from their time as classmates at New York University in the late 1980s to their quick ascent to fame via their three-season, sketch-comedy TV series on MTV and through their post-MTV projects. It also includes histories of the movie-turned-Netflix-series, "Wet Hot American Summer;" the Comedy Central hit, "Reno 911!;" and cult favorite comedy show/series, Stella.

The projects the members of The State have written, directed or performed in leave no degree of separation between them and nearly everyone working in comedy today, such as Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Amy Poehler and Natasha Leggero. The book features rare photos and illustrations from the troupe's twenty-five-year history.

"The Union of The State" appeals not only to The State's extensive fan base but also to comedy aficionados, showbiz biography fans and those who love an underdog success tale.

The book is now available for pre-order:

• Hardcover: http://www.coreystulce.com/
• Kindle: http://bit.ly/uofskindle
• Softcover: http://bit.ly/uofssoft

Book events:

• An Evening with The State, 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, UCB Sunset, 5419 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA: http://bit.ly/tixucb
• RISK! The State Book Release Show with Kerri Kenney-Silver, Janeane Garofalo, Kevin Allison and more, 9 p.m. on Friday, May 20, The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn, NY: http://bit.ly/risktix
• Book signing with Kevin Allison and Corey Stulce, 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, Planet Score Records, 7421 Manchester Road, Maplewood, MO: http://bit.ly/planetscore