The Addams Family: An Evilution presents more than 200 cartoons (50 for the first time) as part of the first book to trace The Addams Family history. H. Kevin Miserocchi, director of the Tee and Charles Addams Foundation, develops a chronology of each character’s evolution (Addams originally named Pugsley “Pubert” for example). Addams’s own character descriptions, originally developed for The Addams Family television show producers, introduce each chapter. If you’re a fan of Charles Addams and his quirky creation, The Addams Family: An Evilution is a must-buy. GRADE: A
I don’t think I’ve ever read one of these cartoons. Were they in newspapers?
The Charles Addams’ cartoons were a regular feature in THE NEW YORKER for years, Patti. The cartoons have been collected in various collections, but this is the first one to take a historical approach.
My aunt and uncle had all the collections available at the time – late 1950s – and when I visited I read and loved them. I really didn’t like the television adaptation (nor the Munster one) but always found these cartoons clever and ghoulish.
I think the Charles Addams cartoons get better with age, Rick. This latest collection is a winner!
I don’t know about the cartoons getting better with age, but I have noticed that the more I age, the more I resemble Uncle Fester.
I know the feeling, Dan. Sometimes I “lurch” around.
I have gotten THE NEW YORKER my entire adult life, but never read the cartoons. I don’t even notice them-nor trailers at the movie. Nor commercials on TV. Nor sermons in a church, nor movie soundtracks. I wonder if it’s a brain malfunction.
You and I should put our brains in a blender, Patti. Just about the only things I read in THE NEW YORKER are the cartoons!
Patti – I envy your ability to ignore commercials, I wish I could. I took the New Yorker for years, and though I read some of the front matter and many of the articles, I never missed the cartoons.
Since I teach MARKETING and ADVERTISING, I have to pay attention to commercials and ads, Rick.
A good pick, George.
Gahan Wilson publishes his cartoons in THE NEW YORKER. That alone is reason enough to subscribe.
Gahan Wilson is a worthy successor to Charles Addams, Drongo. Have you seen Gahan Wilson’s 50 YEARS OF PLAYBOY CARTOONS? I have it on order.
Thanks for the heads-up, George. I will track it down.
Gahan Wilson’s 50 YEARS OF PLAYBOY CARTOONS is a little pricey, Drongo, but worth every penny.
I knew this was coming out but forgot when.
Thanks for the reminder!
THE ADDAMS FAMILY: AN EVILUTION is a terrific book, Beth. If you’re as big an Addams Family fan as I am, this is a must-buy!