Winsor McCay : His Life and Art by
John Canemaker
An In-Depth Look At One Of America's Premier Cartoonists
This volume is the only existing biography of one of Americas greatest
and most influential cartoonists. Winsor McCay (1867-1934) is universally
acknowledged as the first master of both the comic strip and the animated
cartoon. Although invented by others, both genres were developed into
enduring popular art of the highest imagination through McCays innovative
genius. Originally published in 1987, it is now back in print in a newly
expanded and revised edition on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of
Little Nemo in Slumberland. Included are new materials found since the
previous publication of the book such as new comic strips of Little Nemo in
Slumberland, and new sketches of Gertie the Dinosaur
In the book the author reviews and fully analyzes McCays achievements in
print and film while examining his work in relation to his life, family, and to

American culture and values of the period. This painstakingly thorough
biography begins with McCays childhood in Michigan to his seat as one of
the greatest of the early animators.
Personal Review: Winsor McCay : His Life and Art by John
Canemaker
If you don't know McCay's work, check out "Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend"
and "Little Nemo in Slumberland" (not the movie). His art was visually
compelling and psychologically savvy. Nemo was the more elaborate, with
plenty of grand vistas and architectural wonders while Rarebit was visually
spare, but more adult in content. All his work has a marvelously surreal
sense about it, heightened by the detailed realism of his style - characters
exit the confines of the strip or discuss the cartoonist's failings with the
reader, landscapes and characters metamorphose into new configurations
in ways that are perhaps best described as psychedelic.
This book presents a biography of this strange and gentle man as well as a
generous sampling of his better work, including more obscure feaures and
his stunning editorial cartoons (more sweeping panoramas and vast
architectural wonders). Also recommended is the Fantagraphics volume
"Daydreams and Nightmares" which offers up another good cross-section
of his work (except Nemo, which is collected elsewhere).
A true American original, it's a shame more people don't know and
appreciate his work.
For More 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price:
Winsor McCay : His Life and Art by John Canemaker 5 Star Customer Reviews and
Lowest Price!