Comics Workbook

Being a book person and moving is a pain in the ass, but one slightly positive thing about it is that packing and subsequently unpacking books sometimes uncovers a few forgotten gems. Case in point, this 1959 reprint of a 1917 collection of wood cuts and “humourous poems” by physicist Robert Williams Wood. Some (very minor) research brings up a slightly different version from 1907.

This ed. has an introduction written by his daughter that essentially lauds the “dad joke” nature of this book. For instance:

“Here, dear Reader, is the true zest for living. No barbed satire, no insults, no attacks, no grounds for libel suits. In these days or sharp words and strong accusations, political and non-political, I hope that you will be surprised and pleased by the simple, whimsical humor that was so characteristic of my father.” (Margaret Wood White’s intro to How to Tell the Birds From the Flowers and Other Woodcuts)

Also, dig the puss/octo-pus on page 31! How Lynda Barry are those drawings?

-Jessica