The New Yorker Encyclopedia of Cartoons: A Semi-Serious A-TO-Z Two-Volume by Bob Mankoff - Non Fiction - Hardcover

Titles in This Set:
Volume I: A–K
Volume II: L–Z

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Hardcover

Overview:
The New Yorker Encyclopedia of Cartoons is a prodigious slip-cased, two-volume, 1,600-page A-to-Z curation of cartoons from the magazine, spanning 1924 to the present. Curated by Bob Mankoff, who for two decades shaped The New Yorker’s visual voice as its cartoon editor, this monumental collection gathers nearly 3,000 cartoons into more than 250 recurring themes and visual tropes, including banana peels, meeting St. Peter, being stranded on a desert island, snowmen, lion tamers, Adam and Eve, the Grim Reaper, and, of course, dogs. The result is witty, insightful, and endlessly entertaining, with Mankoff’s commentary adding depth and whimsy. A foreword by New Yorker editor David Remnick grounds the volume in its storied history. This set is a gift-perfect portal into the magazine’s sharp, affectionate satire of society and culture—an elevated, conversation-sparking addition to any bookshelf or coffee-table.

What Makes This Collection Special:
This collection functions as a curated map of The New Yorker’s humor across generations. By organizing nearly 3,000 cartoons into more than 250 recurring themes, it invites you to trace how visual gags, social critique, and cultural touchstones evolve while staying unmistakably recognizable. The two-volume format preserves a complete journey from 1924 onward, so readers can compare eras, spot shifts in tone, and revisit beloved motifs again and again. The premium slip-case and cloth-bound hardcover elevate this beyond a simple anthology, turning it into a display piece that begs to be opened, shared, and debated. With David Remnick’s foreword and Mankoff’s seasoned guidance, the collection becomes both a reference work and a joyful reading companion for fans of wit, satire, and social commentary.

Books Included in This Collection:
Volume I: A–K
Volume I gathers cartoons whose early themes set the magazine’s enduring voice, from Adultery and Book Stores to Dentistry, Elvis, Freud, Guns, and Kissing. These pages showcase sharp observational humor about daily life, relationships, and the absurdities of modern living, all filtered through The New Yorker’s signature elegance. Bob Mankoff’s curation highlights recurring gags and visual riffs, inviting readers to notice nuance in expression, setting, and timing. Expect sly takes on social rituals, intimate moments, and the cultural mood of decades past, presented with a freshness that still resonates today.

Volume II: L–Z
Volume II continues the journey with Laziness, Mobsters, Nepotism, Owls, Parties, Quarrels, Restaurants, Sex, Trump, Unicorns, Vegetarians, Writers, X-Rated, You’re Fired, Zombies. It captures the late- to mid-20th century through to contemporary wit, from subtle social critique to exuberant absurdity. Mankoff curates a cohesive arc here, linking themes across time and proving that a single cartoon’s gag can echo across generations. The volume offers a rich panorama of cultural moods, political ironies, and human quirks, all presented in the magazine’s inimitable style.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This set is tailor-made for devoted New Yorker readers, humor enthusiasts, and collectors who crave a tactile, premium reading experience. It’s an ideal gift for librarians, media-studies students, journalists, designers, and anyone who loves visual storytelling. The two-volume format makes it great for coffee-table display, living-room conversation starters, or classroom discussion about satire and cultural change. Suitable for adults and older teens who relish wit and social commentary, this collection also makes a standout addition to any personal library or office shelf.

Key Benefits:

• Premium two-volume slip-cased hardcover for lasting shelf-life and display appeal
• Comprehensive A–Z curation of nearly 3,000 cartoons across 250 themes
• Authoritative guidance from Bob Mankoff, the long-time editor of The New Yorker cartoons
• Foreword by David Remnick, adding editorial depth and historical context
• Beautiful, durable format designed for gifting, reference, and casual browsing
• An engaging gateway into social commentary, satire, and visual wit across decades
• Perfect for fans, scholars, and anyone curious about the evolution of humor

About the Author:
Bob Mankoff is a renowned figure in contemporary humor and cartooning, best known for his long tenure as The New Yorker’s cartoon editor. For about twenty years, he guided the magazine’s cartoon program, shaping the visual voice that readers have trusted for generations. In The New Yorker Encyclopedia of Cartoons, Mankoff brings together his deep cataloging insight with a genuine affection for the art form, pairing sharp captions with memorable illustrations. His commentary blends wit with context, helping readers understand not just the jokes, but the cultural moments that made them possible. This encyclopedia stands as a testament to his unique eye for recurring motifs and the enduring joy of a well-timed gag.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
Owning this set is like possessing a curated cultural archive—premium, thoughtfully designed, and endlessly searchable. The two-volume format provides a complete, easy-to-navigate journey through nearly a century of humor, making it perfect for immersive rereads, reference, or gifting to a friend who loves clever illustration and social satire. Its display-worthy presentation makes it a conversation piece, while the breadth of themes ensures there’s something to discover on every page. For collectors and casual fans alike, this is the definitive, elegantly produced homage to The New Yorker’s remarkable cartoon legacy.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.