El. knyga: Classics Illustrated: A Cultural History, 3d ed.

Classics Illustrated was a wonderful series, which introduced young readers to works of literature which they were encouraged to read in the originaland that's just what I, like many others, did, in my case from The Iliad to the works of Verne and Wells. Now, with William Jones Jr.s enlarged and improved third edition of his study of the Gilberton publication, the author has introduced yet another illustrated classic to the worldthis one with the title Classics Illustrated: A Cultural History. It's one of a handful of comics-historical works that belongs on any comics fan's bookshelf.Roy Thomas, Alter Ego Bill Jones has written a compelling history, detailing the prescience of Albert Kanter, a man well ahead of his time, in anticipating the 21st-century development of using comics to coax readers towards great literature. Joining Kanter in his endeavor were the writers, artists, editors, and art directors who captivated the imaginations of more than one generation of young readers, allowing them to amass a library of classic literature more economical, in both cost and space, than the originals. Jones profiles each contributor, adding greatly not only to the familiar story of Jews and comics, but also to the lesser known histories of women and educators in the industry. As a result of the efforts of Joness subjects, and despite the assumptions of many parents and teachers, comics fans in the 40s, 50s, and 60s grew up arguably more erudite than most young people today.Karen Green, Curator for Comics and Cartoons, Columbia University Using artwork, interviews, and analysis, William B. Jones, Jr. brings deserved attention to the writers and artists who made condensed adaptation an art form, while also evoking memories of the naughty thrill of writing a plausible book report based on a comic book. With new chapters, new color illustrations, and rarely seen process artwork, this 3rd edition serves up a delightful blend of nostalgia and knowledge.Randy Duncan, author of The Power of Comics and Graphic Novels: Culture, Form and Content From the previous editions:This second edition adds some 100 pages of in-depth details, new interviews, and the latest adventures of the series...an especially salient piece of comics culture...chronicles a growing respect for the medium...of interest to comics fans, culture watchers, educators, and high schoolersLibrary Journal Highly recommended major revised edition...illuminating...more thorough and more heavily illustrated, than the original...a book to enjoy and appreciate again and again. Our Highest RecommendationBud Plant, Buds Art Books Fabulous...wonderful. A wealth of information is presented, bolstered by interviews with people, especially artists, who worked on the comics. The books layout is breathtaking...lavish. The repros of panels and covers are of exceptional quality, clear and crisp...excellent introduction...an extremely well researched, entertaining volumeClassic Images The appearance (or rather, reappearance, as a second edition) of this volume is an occasion for celebration across the world of comic art scholarship. There are no more than a dozen scholarly works (my favorites include Masters of American Comics, Will Elder: The Mad Playboy of Art, Underground Classics, Jews and American Comics and perhaps, although I am prejudiced, The Art of Harvey Kurtzman) in the field, nearly all of them quite recent. None is as exhaustive for any genre as this. Every reader interested in comic art, will find this volume illuminating. Close readers will find it different, more thorough and more heavily illustrated, than the original. Its a book to enjoy and appreciate again and again.Paul Buhle (Jews and American Comics, The Art of Harvey Kurtzman) Swans Commentary Information is endless...this book encompasses all...an excellent addition to any library...entertaining...in-depth informationPublic Library Quarterly A comprehensive review of the art and careers of the creators...well researched, documented, and analyzed...important...interesting...highly recommendedARBA A massive research project...source material is rigorously identifiedComics Buyers Guide Mr. Jones study represents the best memory book in a long time. Anyone who remembers horse drawn milk trucks, mail deliveries twice a day, faded red enema bags, pin boys at bowling alleys, the St. Louis Browns, and the cats meow will love this book. It is a work of outstanding achievementFilm & History Splendidly readable account...detailedFilmfax Influence is immeasurable...wonderfully illustratedHitch For millions of American baby boomers, monthly issues of Classics Illustrated were a colorful, exciting gateway to the classics of Western literatureThe Blade (Toledo, Ohio) Remarkably well researched...meticulously detail...a beautiful volume...painstakingly, almost lovingly, defines the series unique place in comic book and cultural historyNeighbor News Eentertaining, informativeActive Years A labour of love...an important work...a reminder of the legacy of Albert KanterWeekender, Leader-Post Meticulously indexed...copiously illustratedReference & Research Book News Generously illustratedKnowledge Quest Interviews, behind-the-scenes secrets revealed and correspondence all combine to give a wide-stroke history of the publisher that introduced classic literature to several generations.Boyce McClains Collectors Corner