Customer Reviews

Charles Addams: The Addams Family: an Evilution

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This volume looks at Morticia, Gomez, Uncle Fester, Lurch and the rest of the recurring characters that Charles Addams used in his single-panel cartoons primarily appearing in the New Yorker. This book gives us some idea of the artist's character development and thoughts about this rogues gallery and the book includes some previously unpublished material. Although much of this material was previously published in Addams' collections it is still worth it to me, as someone who admires his work, to have this all in one place along with previously unseen material.

this is a great book of the Addams Family drawings, that the tv show was based on. it collects most of the drawings of the characters as they evolved in print. it is a wow of a book. Lurch for instance started out bearded, and Mortishia didn't wear any shoes early on. Uncle Fester always was drawn to look like Charles Addams himself. Seeing the personalities written down by Charles Addams is nice, i have not seen that before in any of his books. the older Chas Addams art books always have some pages of the Family as well as just odd ball drawings. but this book is all Addams Family.

Chuck Addams, as he was known to friends, shares with us his joy in the wierdness present in daily life. His cartoons aren't violent, just pregnant with ideas that nudge along your own imagination. PoIsed to greet Christmas carollers by pouring boiling oil from the manse's roof, one cartoon prompts a chuckle from it's perverse perspective alone. You aren't drawn to ponder the ugly effect of an actual cascade of boiling oil on the people below. I like this innocennce in Addams' work. His characters are twisted, yet credible exaggerations of somewhat 'normal' wife, father, kids, and family monster in the attic. Many cartoons tease you, appearing straightforward until close examination finds the funny small detail that makes the whole scene a kick.
Among my favorites are the boy's report card detailing his teacher's warning that his anti-social behavior seems deliberately devious and malicious, prompting Morticia to proudly pat him on the head. Another shows the arrival of two animal carrier cages at the mansion, with Morticia exclaiming, "The children are back from camp, dear."
This book appreciates Addams's work, and made me laugh and think. That is a home run.

If you are a fan of the Addams Family cartoon drawings by Chas Addams, then you need to get this book. It's a great collectible hardcover filled with many of Addams' most celebrated drawings. The book is sectioned off by character, and also provides some information on each member of this notorious family in addition to many of the drawings they are prominently featured in. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it to any Addams Family fan.

This large sized hardcover book is just what the doctor ordered for those looking for a collection of Charles Addams drawings. The book is well worth the price and is wonderful to go over. I always read the cartoons late at night as it is the perfect time to do so.

The collection also has some information about the evolution (hence the title Evilution) of the cartoons and Mr Addams himself.

Strongly recommended for the collector and a great introduction to those who are only familiar with the old TV series and movies.

The quirky humor and unparalleled art of Charles Addams are the ingredients that contributed so much to what the New Yorker magazine was in its best years. For decades, the cartoom bar was at a high level and Addams cleared it consistently. This book provides ample evidence that his art . . . and humor are practically timeless . . . and so satisfying to behold. It's a treasure!
Descriptions of members of "The Addams Family," in his own words add much to the book's enjoyment.
Highly recommended.

What a hoot and compendium of the Charles ADDAMS wit and humor. Taking us over the years of a most odd family and wonderful characters. I had not Idea, the TV show was based upon some old cartoons from the New Yorker. Now, I am enlightened and delighted. It's my family nearly all the way. Finally a guide on how to live life to the fullest and correctly. I will use this book to readjust my life style, after all, it's much easier being ODD and Normal, that an Ideal of what Society expects of one. Thanks for showing me the darkness!

I read a library copy of this book, having grown up on the famous television sitcom and seeing the occasional copy of "The New Yorker" in our home. The evolution of some of the characters will surprise you, especially the initial sketch of Lurch that Chas, as he was frequently called, made as he appeared beside Morticia in an early cartoon. Pugsley's original name of Pubert is equally amusing but would never get past the 1960's television censors. All in all, a very enjoyable book that will sit comfortably on your bookshelf next to Edgar Allen Poe.

I bought this after seeing the Broadway production. I thought there would be more drawings but it does show the history of the Addams family and a number of previous not seen drawings. Overall it is a good book for Addams Family fans.

The Addams Family: An Evilution deserves a place in a wide range of collections: arts, film history, and science fiction. It packs in black and white and color plates in the first book to trace The Addams Family history, presenting over 200 cartoons created by Charles Addams throughout his career - many never published before. Very highly recommended as a definitive guide to the Addams Family culture!