Interlibrary Loan Sharks and Seedy Roms: Cartoons from Libraryland [Paperback]

Benita L. Epstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1997

Cartoonist Benita Epstein sees libraryland as a place full of offbeat characters, such as the patrons who need references-for their rsums, of course. Or as a technological jungle where signs read "Beware of the DOS." In short, she sees a place where we can always enjoy a chuckle and sometimes a good laugh.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In the five-plus years since she took up cartooning, Epstein has published in more than 130 publications, including, from 1993 until its demise, Wilson Library Bulletin. Here she presents 111 of her "cartoons from libraryland." Former WLB editor GraceAnne DeCandido praises Epstein highly for her empathy and her ability to "go to the heart--and funny bone--of daily life in the library." Others, seldom cracking the hint of a smile, may conclude their funny bones are broken and that Epstein's drawing style is an acquired taste, but tastes differ, and still others may be pleasantly surprised and amused. Edward Swanson

Review

"Epstein, whose work has appeared in the Saturday Evening Post, Wilson Library Bulletin, and Punch, portrays in 114 whimsical cartoons a libraryland that is both odd yet familiar. Good for a chuckle" -- Library Journal

"[Epstein's] cartoons...have become classics...whether one is a librarian, a seasoned user of libraries, or just a casual user, there is something in this collection to make them laugh" -- Library and Information Science Annual

"more than 100 cartoons to help tickle your funny bone" -- The Library Association Record

"pithy and pertinent captions which ring all too familiar" -- The Australian Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 111 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (December 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786404655
• ISBN-13: 978-0786404650
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,964,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The humor comes first, August 7, 1998

By 

Mark Heath (Maine, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Interlibrary Loan Sharks and Seedy Roms: Cartoons from Libraryland (Paperback)

There are many fine cartoons in this collection, but one sticks in my mind like an arrow in a bull's eye. It shows a librarian at an information counter, with two patrons waiting for service -- a chicken and an egg. The librarian asks, "Who's first?" A second later, the subtle, implied punchline strikes; a wonderful, somehow profound cartoon.

That same style of riddle might apply to the rest of the book -- which came first, the humor or the library themes? -- but the riddle is a simple one. I know the answer. With everything Epstein draws, the wit always comes first.

This is how good the book is: when I read my copy, I did so by flashlight, shivering in a house without heat (thanks to the ice storm that snapped New England into powerless pieces), and I laughed.

Along with the rest of your emergency provisions, that's a book to keep at hand.

5.0 out of 5 stars Witty, whimsical, good-natured -- buy it!!, August 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Interlibrary Loan Sharks and Seedy Roms: Cartoons from Libraryland (Paperback)

Attention librarians and library lovers: Benita Epstein's cartoons exhibit true wit with a whimsical, good-natured tone. If you are turned off by the many cartoonists who are preoccupied with trite or gross subjects, check out this book!