Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Focusing on the life and work of sixteen famed comic strip cartoonists, Marshall (editor-in-chief, Nemo) not only relates their individual achievements, but tells the story of the form as it evolved from its beginnings in the 1890s to the present. The lavish illustrations (some 300, half in color) come from the Sunday pages, the daily strips, presentation pieces, promotional drawings, and personal sketchbooks. Oversize (11x13"). Annotation(c) 2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

As the genre of the newspaper comic strip begins to sort out its history and to develop a critical framework, Marschall's superbly done coffee-table book will be a significant contribution. It can fairly be said that the publication of The Smithsonian Collection of Newspaper Comics, ed. by B. Blackbeard and M. Williams (CH, Sep'78), validated the serious study of this work. The newspaper comic strip, as distinct from the comic book, generally is the creative effort of a single individual; and because newspapers have been preserved in hard copy, the development of individual styles can be studied. A definitive history seems to be underway, and with this particular study an aesthetic rationale is developing. The focus here is on 16 individuals who all are enshrined in the Museum of Cartoon Art Hall of Fame. Each chapter provides biographical detail and traces the cartooning career of the subject in some detail; the illustrations are carefully chosen and, considering the fragility of some of the older materials, are lovingly reproduced. It is possible to quibble: the absence of a chapter on Will Eisner, whose highly influential Spirit first appeared in the Sunday papers in 1940, is especially surprising; the author seems to undervalue severely Milton Caniff's Steve Canyon; and why not simply state, since it has been widely documented, that the now shaky lines of Charles Schulz result from physical illness? Libraries supporting a fine arts program, a journalism program, a popular culture program, or generally facing strong research demands should seriously consider purchasing. -R. S. Bravard, Lock Haven University

Kirkus Book Review

A swiftly paced and engrossing survey of the lives and careers of the most influential and original creators of comic strips, ranging across the hundred-year history of the genre. Marschall, the editor of Hogan's Alley: The Journal of the Cartoon Arts, brings an extraordinary fund of knowledge to the project and a refreshingly sharp, frank critical sense. Beginning with R.F. Outcault, the creator in the late 19th century of the phenomenally popular ``Yellow Kid'' and ``Hogan's Alley,'' and concluding with Charles Schultz and the ubiquitous ``Peanuts'' strip, these profiles offer a nice blend of the biographical and the critical. Indeed, Marschall's pieces on such diverse figures as George Herriman (the shy genius who created ``Krazy Kat'') and Al Capp (``Lil' Abner'') are superb introductions to the artists and their creations, and the most succinct and convincing evaluations of their work available. E.C. Segar (``Popeye''), Harold Gray (``Little Orphan Annie''), Hal Foster (``Prince Valiant''), Milton Caniff (``Terry and the Pirate''), and Walt Kelly (``Pogo'') are among those profiled. A handsome, lively introduction to the genre. (250 color and b&w illustrations)