A wealth of very good information. Its major fault is that like most improv books, it's poorly organized. The lack of an index is particularly troubling.

Covers the basics; focuses on comedy rather than storytelling. A little too wakka-wakka but a good intro.

Dated; but may be of historical interest.

Well-organized elaboration on Impro for Storytellers. Not well known, but a good book regardless.

More a teacher's reference than a text, this is the canonical source of Viola Spolin's theater games. A difficult read; what theory there is gets lost in the exercise descriptions.

The Chicago Scene circa 1999-2000. Covers many formats and influential troupes and personalities.

In-depth history of Playwrights and The Compass, predecessors of The Second City, and the personalities behind them.

Compilation of interviews with important figures in the history of The Second City and its predecessor, The Compass. Covers 1955-1987.

Dry but informative, this book details the characters and relationships of the classic Italian improvisational theatre with a survey of modern commedia troupes.

Helps directors work with actors to bring out the best in both. Interesting for its perspective, it helps smoothe the transition from player to director in directed improv formats.

Meandering exploration of creativity and improvisation.

Tiresome and cloying at times, it's a nice guide to using improv skills to generate ideas for non-improv performance groups. Also provides conflict resolution and managerial techniques.