Puns are often derided as the lowest form of wit and groaned at as the main staple of 'dad' jokes the world over. But puns do matter. John Pollack, former World Pun Champion and presidential speechwriter for Bill Clinton explains how puns have revolutionised language and played a pivotal role in creating the modern world as we know it. Pollack skillfully weaves together historical facts and stories, the science of the brain, pop culture, literature, anthropology and humour to create an authoritative yet playful exploration of puns.