Winsor McKay: His Life and Art - Hardcover

Canemaker, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810959410 ISBN 13: 9780810959415

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, 2005

Synopsis

This volume is the only existing biography of one of America's 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 McCay's 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 McCay's 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 McCay's childhood in Michigan to his seat as one of the greatest of the early animators.

About this title

About the Authors

John Canemaker is an award-winning independent animator and animation historian whose personal films are in the Permanent Collection of The Museum of Modern Art, New York. He has written eight books on animation history and is a regular contributor to the New York Times.

Maurice Sendak is one of America's most beloved and renowned children's book artists. He has illustrated 60 books and received the Caldecott medal for his illustrated works.

Reviews

Adult/High School McCay has been aptly described by Maurice Sendak as one of America's rare, great fantasists. Few artists have been as influential in the field of comic strips and animation as he has. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of his surreal, groundbreaking fantasy strip, Little Nemo in Slumberland, Abrams has released a newly revised and expanded edition of the original 1987 biography. Canemaker's lucid account of the artist's life provides a comprehensive overview of his contribution to American popular culture and his achievements in comics, animation, theater, and advertising. The superb layout and design of this oversize edition are complemented by the copious illustrations (230 black-and-white and 40 full-color). The use of high-quality paper results in crisp, clear reproductions that are faithfully and accurately rendered. Overall, this is one of the most beautifully designed and well-written biographies of a cartoonist ever published. A pleasure to look at and read. Philip Charles Crawford, Essex High School, Essex Junction, VT
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Edition details

• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0810959410
• ISBN 13: 9780810959415
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272