Jews and American Comics: An Illustrated History of an American Art Form (Hardcover)

~ (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A treasure trove of Jewish comic book art by both acknowledged masters and little-known stars, from Rube Goldberg to Aline Kominsky Crumb.

"Jews built the comic book industry from the ground up, and the influence of Jewish writers, artists, and editors continues to be felt to this day."—MAD magazine writer Arie Kaplan

Readers have long cherished the work of comic masters such as Will Eisner, Jules Feiffer, and Art Spiegelman, all of whom happen to be Jewish. Few, however, are probably aware that the Jewish role in creating the American comic art form is no less significant than the Jewish influence on Hollywood filmmaking. Filled with the most stunning examples of this vital artistic tradition, Jews and American Comics tells us how the "people of the book" became the people of the comic book.

With three brief essays by Paul Buhle, the well-known historian of American Jewish life, Jews and American Comics offers readers a pictorial backstory tracing Jewish involvement in comic art from several little-known strips in Yiddish newspapers of the early twentieth century through the mid-century origins of the modern comic book and finally to contemporary comic art, which has at last found its place in museums, in private collections, and on the bookshelves of both critics and millions of avid readers.

Featuring more than two hundred examples of the work of Jewish comic artists going back a century—much of which has been unavailable to the general public for decades—this extraordinary collection will be a major contribution to Jewish and American cultural history. Jews and American Comics is also a gorgeous package, sure to be treasured by comic art lovers and fans of Jewish culture—and destined to become the bar and bat mitzvah gift of the decade.

About the Author

Paul Buhle is a senior lecturer at Brown University, author or editor of more than thirty books, including the three-volume Jews and American Popular Culture. He has also co-edited several books, including A Dangerous Woman: The Graphic Biography of Emma Goldman (The New Press). He lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: New Press (August 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595583319
• ISBN-13: 978-1595583314
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #318,099 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Graphics or commentary?, June 9, 2009

By	Sam Clemens (Los Angeles, Calif., USA) - See all my reviews

I had heard an interview by the author, Buhle, and I was delighted to receive this book. Yet, I found it somewhat disppointing, in that I had expected trenchant commentary in a volume JAM-PACKED with graphics. There are some graphic gems, but too few, and some of the examples are of recent vintage, not classics. Plus, the narrative was on the plodding, cumbersome side.

From reviews, it appears that another book, "From Krakow to Krypton: Jews and Comic Books," might be more what I had in mind.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating read for anyone who grew up reading comics as a kid, November 8, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Comic strip history and the Jewish influence on comic strip writers and artists are the subject of "Jews and American Comics: An Illustrated History of an American Art Form". In a collection knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by Paul Buhle, "Jews and American Comics: An Illustrated History of an American Art Form" is comprised of more than two hundred examples of the work of Jewish comic artists dating back a century. Paul Buhle informs readers on just how the 'People of the Book' became the 'People of the Comic Book'. Enhanced with three information packed essays written by Buhle, and with the cited comics arranged by Jewish themes and Jewish related content, readers will explore the history and discover the parallels of the comic book format with the history of Yiddish literacy culture. Readers will learn beyond the fact that many to the great talents of the comic trade who happen to be Jewish, but that the Jewish role is part of the full history of this comic (artistic) tradition. Interesting in fact, history and comics "Jews and American Comics: An Illustrated History of an American Art Form" is a fascinating exploration of the influences and traditions of comics. Recommended for public libraries and universities who teach comic book design, "Jews and American Comics: An Illustrated History of an American Art Form" will prove a fascinating read for anyone who grew up reading comics as a kid.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Hard Read. Quit midway through., September 18, 2008

By	Mike - See all my reviews

I bought this book on the suggestion of Amazon when I sought to buy Krakow to Krypton. From the beginning, the author's style of writing was very hard for me to follow let alone enjoy. I don't think it was too technical, but seemed very 'high brow' with many citations noted. It was a drudgery to read. I enjoyed most of the comic strip examples until the end with all the Anti-Israel, Anti-Jewish comics by ultra liberal, left wing Jewish artists. Unfortunately, I do not recommend.