The Comics: Before 1945

Book Description

In the five decades after the Yellow Kid first appeared in 1895, the funnies became an essential element of American life. Comic strip characters-Buster Brown, the Katzenjammer Kids, Krazy Kat, Tarzan, Dick Tracy, Popeye, Blondie, Li'l Abner-were everywhere. They starred in live-action and animated films, stage plays, and radio programs. Their phrases invaded the language; their adventures, which reflected societal changes, were retold in books and inspired hit songs.

This visually stunning, comprehensive survey-copiously illustrated with rare original comics art-is the most authoritative history of prewar American newspaper comics currently in print. It documents the major trends in the funnies business, decade by decade, and presents in-depth biographies of 21 of the most influential creators of the era. The Comics Before 1945 joins Brian Walker's The Comics Since 1945 to form a classic survey of American popular culture by one of the greatest authorities in the field. AUTHOR BIO: Brian Walker, a cartoonist and a founder of the International Museum of Cartoon Art, has written and edited more than a dozen books, including Abrams' The Comics Since 1945. Since 1984 he has been part of the creative team that produces the strips Beetle Bailey and Hi and Lois. He lives in Wilton, Connecticut.

Customer Reviews:

THE Essential Book on American Comic Strip Art.......2007-04-07

Anyone who is interested in American comic strips and their creators must have this book in their library. It is by far the most comprehensive survey of the genre and the best source for reproductions of the comic strips discussed. While obviously limited by space considerations, Brian Walker has done an admirable job of showing at least one example of most comic strips of connsequence from the first half of the twentieth century. The rather disturbing insecurity demonstrated by some comic artists and other commentators in other recent books (Masters of American Comics and Cartoon America), who seem obsessed with their desires to have comic art classified as "fine art," is nowhere to be found in Brian Walker's essays on the subject. He rightfully accepts comic art for what it is and, by providing useful background information on the creators, helps the reader appreciate the obvious merits of this art. The color reproductions in this volume are also superior to those in the catalogue which accompanied the recent comic art exhibition. All those with a new found interest in comic strip art after visiting that exhibit would be best served by making this their first purchase from those books currently available on the subject.

Craig Englund

"I yam what I yam an' that's all I yam."--Popeye.......2006-09-29

This is a wonderful book for anyone who has followed the Comics,Strips,Funny Papers,Cartoons,or whatever you want to call them.
I was born in 1935 and by the time I could read,I became addicted to the comics. I didn't consider it an addiction at the time,they were just something I loved to follow.
This book is really a set of two. The other is "The Comics Since 1945",also by the same author. I wrote a review on it on April 28,2005;and won't repeat what I said there. I am surprized that "Before 1945" was published in 2004 ,while "Since 1945" was published in 2002. Why in that order? Who knows. All the things I said in that other review also apply to this volume.
The two books are really a 2-volume set. If you read and want to own one;you'll want both.
Physically, the books are identical; 10"X13",each 336 pages,glossy hard cover with a selection of strips,lovely dust covers and each weighs about 4 pounds. The paper is of excellent quality and so is the printing,color reproduction and binding.The overall quality of the manufacturing simply
couldn't be better. One might think that these books are too large;but it takes this size to do the strips justice and readible.
These 2 books bring back so many memories to me of following the strips.
I have always been interested in the mechanics of the strips and the artwork and lettering.
One of the things that amazes me is that when the Comics were in their heyday;in the 1940's, everyone followed them. For instance;everyone knew who Dagwood and Blondie,Li'L Abner,Daisy Mae and the Yokums,Jiggs,Dick Tracy,Superman and a host of others were;and followed their stories and adventures.
The books give you a brief story about each of the Cartoonists,and a surprising idea of the earnings they enjoyed.In those days we didn't pay much attention to the creators.The strips were just there. However; there was always a big issue when your paper dropped your favorite.
Comics certainly don't have the broad appeal that they used to for several reasons. First,when the creator retired,the people who tried to continue it,just didn't "have it". Political correctness spelled the end of many strips. The really good strips were full of adventure,such as;Tracy,Red Ryder,Annie,Li'l Abner,Prince Valiant and so on. The introduction of romance and feminine strips changed what comic strips were all about and probably resulted in the loss of many readers.I know they never interested me.
My daily paper,the Toronto Star,has only one strip that I follow every day;that being Doonesbury. It hasn't even carried Dick Tracy for years;fortunately I can still follow it on the Net.
These books have excellent indexes and extensive notes providing all sortd of information for further reading.
If you enjoyed the Strips,you'll love these books.

Great as a gift book and for the hard to please fan!.......2005-08-15

Many time book stores will sell gift books that are all fluff with no meat in them. This book (I am happy to state) is not one of them.

Broken up by decade you get a treasure trove of strips, some everyone knows and some obscure but beautiful (you will often find yourself wishing for more).

The text pieces are insightful and the strips themselves both are chosen for the classic and the obscure.

Well worth it for the Amazon price!!!

When Comics Were Funny.......2005-01-25

And not just funny--witty, colorful, inventive, slapstick, adventurous--and eagerly awaited. Here's an oversized, hardback, full-color, coffee table book chock-full and brimming with the art of the funny papers. Brian Walker, son of Mort Walker (Beetle Bailey), not only draws comics but also mounts exhibitions of them. This book includes hand-colored originals from the Museum of Cartoon Art, as well as full page Sunday layouts. From the Yellow Kid and Hogan's Alley at the turn of the century to the wartime wonders of the 'forties, this is a coffee table book you can't put down. Retailing at $50, Amazon's price is about $30--a bargain and a steal for such a beautiful volume. Also check out Walker's companion volume, The Comics: Since 1945.

God Is In The Comic Details.......2004-11-16

Insider, Historian and Exhibition Curator of note, Walkers take on the Early Comics is naturally second to none ,gathered in a single volume; as a companion volume to the Comics Since 1945, unparalleled in its overview of a nearly 110 Year History of an American Original Art Form. A Must- Have for any Library on Popular Culture, and for any well-read Home Library.

A balanced look at a long time American Art form that does NOT criticize the Wide Range of various Talents who expressed , with satire, humor and foibles of American life with the big foot style ,as well as the adventure comic genres, including the noble, ignoble and everyday .

Without a doubt, a 10********** out of a 5 ***** possible!

A wonderful Holiday Gift for that Special Favorite Friend.

Average customer rating:

Antes de la tele/Before the TV
Yvan Pommaux
Manufacturer: Corimbo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 8484702146

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The Comics: Before 1945
Brian Walker
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OMEJ7Y

Customer Reviews:

Very attractive pictorials of Baxter Park scenery........1999-01-28

I received a copy of this book as a gift and enjoyed it very much. The book has many views of the mountain scenery that are not in other books. The author obviously spent time hiking the trails to find good scenes. Picture quality is generally excellent. People who want to get a taste of the varied scenery will enjoy it.

Book Description

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Customer Reviews:

Why is this book not available???.......2003-06-10

Okay, this is the third edition of this book, published 2 months ago...AND IT'S NOT AVAILABLE!!! WHY???

This is a rare gem of a book. "Castle Waiting" is one of the best comic books (okay, "drawn books") ever. The characterization is fantastic. Linda Medley's drawing style is charming yet oddly realistic (her people look like people, not like how-people-should-look). Her focus on the "lesser" characters is interesting and long-overdue. Her fairness in terms of gender is refreshing. This retelling of "Sleeping Beauty" is riotous at times, touching at others.

Another reviewer mentioned her wonderful resource for children at the end. EARTH TO PARENTS! LINDA MEDLEY CARES WHAT YOUR CHILDREN READ! THIS ARTIST HAS WONDERFUL SUGGESTIONS FOR DEVELOPING YOUR CHILD'S MIND!!! Worth the price of admission right there. No, really - she has put her heart and soul into making this book as helpful and well-rounded as possible, in addition to being a great read.

I am constantly buying copies of "Lucky Road" for new moms. I've found that new mothers respond really well to the story of Jain and Pindar, and it's nice to have a different kind of storybook to put in a child's (or adult's!) library. I've been trying to get my hands on more copies of Brambly Hedge ('cause I'm not giving up my copy) to give to these same women and kids. It's very hard! It's really, REALLY unfair when all sorts of dreck gets offered through book sites and the good stuff isn't available.

I know Linda Medley is having trouble getting the monthly comic book out (at least, as per the last issue of CW). Go pick up "Lucky Road", go visit your local comics shop and buy them out of CW, ask your local bookstore to carry it, anything. Anything to keep her writing, anything to keep these books coming out. Few titles are this worthwhile. Really.

More than just a story...........2003-02-05

Linda Medley is a storyteller supreme. And her story re-telling is pretty darn impressive, too. The Curse of Brambly Hedge is Medley's take on the old story of Briar Rose (Which is, of course, very similar to the story so many of us know as "Sleeping Beauty".). Medley's dialogue and art are flexible and expressive and the story fairly leaps off the page. But what makes this book in this edition so priceless is the huge appendix at the end. Aimed at younger readers and drawn book newbies, she provides character drawings with instructions to experiment with coloring their costumes, a step-by-step guide to creating a character of your own, two guided exercises for creating your own story, helpful instructions on how to read pictures (e.g., what various lines around characters can mean and what the different dialogue bubbles signify), suggestions for classic stories to retell, a bibliography of such stories, and, finally, a list of resources for parents focussed on reading and stories. All that in 75 pages and for $9. This is an excellent place for anyone to start reading drawn books and the "Reading Pictures" is perfect for the person who wants to learn more about the medium by doesn't have time to digest Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics.

By the way, "drawn books" is Medley's term for what we normally call "comic books" or "graphic novels". I think this is a more accurate description, so I've adopted it.

Book Description

Today's film industry is a legal and financial obstacle course that all independent filmmakers must learn to master. In view of this, The Biz--a highly accessible overview of the industry's important business, legal and financial aspect--is a must-read for all filmmakers. It includes thorough explanations and discussions of: Film-industry business jargon; Raising financing; Business structuring; Securities laws; Budgeting essentials; Dealing with the guilds; Loans; Completion guarantees; The legal and financial ramifications of distribution deals; Calculating net profits; Film-industry accounting practices and contingent payments; Copyright, publicity, and trademark laws; Screen credits; Talent demands; Litigation problems; Bankruptcy; Taxation of film companies; The Internet distribution of film . . . and much more. The Biz also includes a dozen useful sample forms and agreements.

Customer Reviews:

Complete, informative, funny-- what more can you ask for?.......2003-04-13

I was afraid when I picked up _The Biz_ that it was going to be a dry read-- legal aspects of any business are not known for being a scintillating read. However, I am happy to report that it was not only a quick and interesting read, it was a genuinely funny one. Moore had me laughing out loud on several occasions.

Even granted that this is not a book you read for the humor, it is refreshing to see a reference book so well written. My only quarrel was that I would have liked to see a bibliography included with the book in case I wanted to go in depth into any of the areas covered.

How hot is "the Biz?".......2001-02-05

One thing about Professor Moore: the man rides motorcycles and has more energy than a 6-year old. He's not the average UCLA professor.

Thus, you should be aware that the book reflects it's writer's personality. The book is not only informative, but a pretty fun read as well. Friends from other law schools tell me how dry and dull their entertainment law texts are - a fact which absolutely boggles my mind. The Biz is concisely written, and filled with lively examples

Handbook for Entertainment Lawyers.......2000-03-15

Mr. Moore teaches at UCLA, and his course is extraordinarily well attended. His book is considered a must-have for lawyers working in Entertainment, and although the focus is law, I think it would be a handy reference for anyone new to the creative side of Entertainment, especially those seeking to protect themselves and their interests when making deals and such.

Book Description

Mozart`s father, Leopold, bombarded his son with advice-filled letters in the German style of the times; Wolfgang first responded angrily, but then evaded and dissimulated in letters similar to those of the French philosophers. In this provocative new analysis of the Mozart father-son letters, David Schroeder contends that Mozart subverted his father`s ambition to publish the letters by turning the correspondence into an epistolary game and making his own letters unpublishable.

Customer Reviews:

Dearest Father.......2006-06-22

For those of us with an obsessive curiosity about this extraordinary human being (yet one with whom we can so easily identify because of his many ordinary faults and trials), Mozart in Revolt illuminates a very revealing and rich aspect of his life: his correspondence. The author's main theme is that Mozart, in the course of his 1778 sojourn in Paris, and as a result of his friendships with sophisticated Parisian personalities, learned and developed a then-fashionable mode of correspondence based on concealment, subterfuge, half-truths and lies. In this way he was able to parry his father's moralistic and oppressive letters and avoid both rejection of the father he loved and the humiliation of having to introject the disrespect implicit in letters that might have been intended for a callow teenager, and not the early-20s young man that he was. Mozart continued to correspond in this manner for the rest of his life, adjusting his letter-writing personality for each correspondent and occasion. The author describes the importance of letter writing in 18th century Europe, its historical context and its significance in a developing popular culture. In the course of discussion we learn many interesting facts about Mozart's life, such as the practice of creating pictorial targets with timely and personal themes for the apparently highly enjoyable pasttime of shooting airguns in the parlor with one's friends and family. Mozart had a wide circle of correspondents besides his father -- his wife, his cousin Maria Anna Thekla Mozart, friends, possible/probable lovers, fellow Masons, et alii -- but the bulk of this book deals with contemporary letter writing in the context of the lengthy and ultimately sad history of his correspondence with his father.

How to love a parent and at the same time keep your sanity........1999-12-18

A refreshing examination of the interesting relationship between a father and son. This is a reinterpretation of Mozart's own words in light of the cultural "wit" of the time.

Average customer rating:

Bridge for Dummies - not so good

The Only Way to Learn

Terrific Value

excellent review of standard and newer principles

Best Book

Bridge For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies))
Eddie Kantar
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Bridge for Bright Beginners

25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know

How to Play a Bridge Hand: 12 Easy Chapters to Winning Bridge by America's Premier Teacher

Bridge Baron 17 Express Edition By: Great Games

The ABCs of Bridge

ASIN: 0471924261

Book Description

Bridge, as any player will tell you, is simply the best card game ever. It’s challenging—each hand presents a different set of conditions you must figure out and solve. It's very social—you play with a partner and two opponents. And best of all—it's fun.

Bridge For Dummies, 2E gives you a step-by-step explanation of the fundamentals of the game in terms you can understand. It walks you through the different aspects of bridge, featuring real-life examples, so that you can feel comfortable with the basics before you ever start to play. And if you're already experienced at the game, you'll discover a wealth of tips and hints that can make you a better player. You'll learn all about:

The basics of nontrump play
How to play the hand in a trump contract
Bidding for fun and profit
Taking advantage of advanced bidding techniques
Playing a strong defense and keeping score
Playing bridge on your computer
Playing in bridge clubs and tournaments
Where to find other great bridge resources

This newly revised edition features an expanded section on playing bridge online, with updated web addresses and other resources, along with new information on the latest bidding techniques. For anyone from novice to pro wanting to learn bridge or learn techniques to improve their game, Bridge For Dummies, 2E makes an ideal partner!

Customer Reviews:

Bridge for Dummies - not so good.......2007-09-15

This book is not bad, but unfortunately is not clear, and not fun to read.
It goes in to details too quickly.

It appears to be aimed at a person becoming an Intermediate Player

The Only Way to Learn.......2007-08-17

Over Memorial Day weekend of this year, I decided to learn to play bridge after never playing the game at all. I took several on-line lessons and other learning tools. The next week I bought Bridge for Dummies (BFD). I read the book cover to cover a couple times, highlighted appropriate passages and quickly learned the game.

Within a month I was playing online confidently based on what I learned in BFD. I had people comment that there was no way I was only playing for a month. After another couple weeks I played duplicate bridge at a local club and finished second my first time playing live.

I highly recommend this book to everyone wanting to learn to play bridge. If this book has one weakness, occasionally you will find instances where bidding strays from SAYC. But simply print out the 4 page SAYC brochure and tuck it in the book.

Bridge is by far the best game of any type I have ever played and this book gave me a foundation to grow from.

Terrific Value.......2007-07-14

Bridge for Dummies, by Eddie Kantar, has turned out to be one of the best purchases I have ever made. I love bridge, and bought this book as just a refresher type thing. No way! The book is teeming with tips, strategies, and explanations that should be of great value to all but the most advanced players. I consider this to be the best book on bridge in the market today.

excellent review of standard and newer principles.......2007-03-25

I was pleasantly surprised by the incorporation of all the latest bidding schemes in this Dummies book. I recommend it to all as a good review/reference source.

Best Book.......2007-03-21

This is the best book I've found for those of us needing a refresher course in bridge. Much better, for me, than Goren. I would highly recommend this book for beginners.

A Full Deck of Double-Dummy Problems: A Book of Bridge Puzzles

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A Full Deck of Double-Dummy Problems: A Book of Bridge Puzzles
Terry M. Badger
Manufacturer: Oldcastle Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0932529585

The Pocket Book of Bridge Puzzles (No. 1)

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The Pocket Book of Bridge Puzzles (No. 1)

Manufacturer: pocket books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: 0671754750

Product Description

Improve your game- the entertaining way ! All the puzzles in this book contain hands that you might hold in your next game. Tackle them as though you were sititng around a bridge table and could see only your hand. Then bid and play as both declarer and defender. Not only will you have fun, but you'll learn a great deal about bridge in the process !

Bridge, expert dummy-play (A Batsford bridge series)

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Bridge, expert dummy-play (A Batsford bridge series)
Barry Seabrook
Manufacturer: Batsford
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: 0713418273

I Challenge You: Victor Molo Challenges You to Improve Your Bridge Game

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I Challenge You: Victor Molo Challenges You to Improve Your Bridge Game
Victor Mollo
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0671642359

Don't Be a Dummy: How to Bid, Defend and Declare a Bridge Hand Like an Expert

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Don't Be a Dummy: How to Bid, Defend and Declare a Bridge Hand Like an Expert
Elliot Sternlicht
Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1401066755

Book Description

This book covers basic bridge principles relating to all three aspects of bridge - bidding, defending and declaring a hand. I have imparted ideas that I have learned in over twenty years of playing high-level tournament and rubber bridge.

Audrey Grant's Better Bridge Play (Audrey Grant's Better Bridge Series)

Average customer rating:

Great introduction
Excellent for rubber and contract bridge players.

Audrey Grant's Better Bridge Play (Audrey Grant's Better Bridge Series)
Audrey Grant
Manufacturer: Centennial Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0822016672

Customer Reviews:

Great introduction.......2007-09-01

I hadn't played bridge in 45 years, and I wasn't very good even then. Audrey's book presents a clear and well-organized introduction to bidding and playing, with many good example hands with explanations.

Excellent for rubber and contract bridge players........1998-08-19

Grant's series goes from beginning bridge players to medium skilled. A wonderful, easy to read and understand series.

Bridge endings;: The end game made easy with 30 common basic positions, 24 endplays teaching hands, and 50 double dummy problems

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Bridge endings;: The end game made easy with 30 common basic positions, 24 endplays teaching hands, and 50 double dummy problems
Raphael Cioffi
Manufacturer: G. Coffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: B0007F1PU2

Bridge magic: double dummy problems, single dummy, sure tricks, curios and inferentials - and a monograph on squeezes;

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Bridge magic: double dummy problems, single dummy, sure tricks, curios and inferentials - and a monograph on squeezes;
Hugh Darwen
Manufacturer: Faber
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: 0571102506

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Bridge: Single Dummy Problems
R.J. Payne
Manufacturer: Robert Hale Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OIJRUC

Book Description

This book answers the questions archaeologistsdare most frequently asked. But above all, it's entertainment. we hope it will encourage those with an interest in digging, but equallly it should amuse and engage those whose archaeological ambitions are limited to turning the pages of this book. The book is the story of a fantasy dig the readers undertake in their back garden. They begin by digging a small hole in their lawn. Eventually they come down to the remains of a Roman villa. Intervening chapters highlight various aspects of our dig in order to tell the history of the dicipline of archaeology from the earliest looters of pyramids to the present day.

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