BOOK REVIEW: Impish Artists

 

(Originally published 1996, Hardcover edition 164 pages)

Mr. Hess's and Ms. Northrop's overview of American political cartooning does a fine job of highlighting key periods in its evolution. This is not a book explaining the creative process of editorial cartoonists. There is a treasure trove of useful information and it will give you a better understanding how the art came into its present manifestation. Not only do they cover such luminaries as Thomas Nast, Bill Mauldin, Herbert "Herblock" Block, Pat Oliphant, Paul Conrad, Gary Trudeau and Walt Kelly, but also many excellent, long-forgotten editorial cartoonist who deserve recognition. Drawn & Quartered also places the different styles, publications and symbolism used in the context of their times. It clearly explains how satirical publications such as "Puck" made way for newspapers that were overtaken by television and, now, the emergence of the Internet juggernaut.

The book does not take a politically correct approach in its presentation and simply explains the social mores of the times. The authors had no qualms about showing the missteps made by many cartoonists such as shying away from confronting McCarthyism or becoming Wilson Administration propagandists during World War One. There are plenty of wonderful illustrations between these covers which help clarify and support the history being discussed at that moment. A thoroughly enjoyable, well-written, fun book. If you are interested in understanding the history of this unique vocation, Drawn & Quartered will not disappoint you. 

(Meyers - A few years ago, I started writing, under the pseudonym Franklin the Mouse, short reviews at Amazon's web site. This is my most recent review #325)