Laugh and Live praises the power of positive thinking and self-confidence in raising one's health, business and social prospects. It is written by Douglas Fairbanks, American actor and producer, known as The First King of Hollywood. The sole purpose of the book is to emphasize our first duty toward ourselves, which consists of doing our level best at everything we undertake, and making the best of every situation that arises to confront us.

Douglas Fairbanks (1883-1939) was an American actor, screenwriter, director, and producer. He was best known for his swashbuckling roles in silent films including The Thief of Bagdad, Robin Hood, and The Mark of Zorro. Fairbanks was a founding member of The Motion Picture Academy and hosted the 1st Academy Awards in 1929. With his marriage to Mary Pickford, the couple became Hollywood royalty and Fairbanks was referred to as "The King of Hollywood." In 1917, Fairbanks capitalized on his rising popularity by publishing a self-help book, Laugh and Live which extolled the power of positive thinking.