See you in the funny papers

the long version

"St. Louis is a funny town. Cartoonwise, that is. Different theories abound, but the Gateway to the West has been unusually starcrossed with some of the most talented and famous cartoonists this country has ever produced. Under the umbrella term of cartoonist, these talents are classified as comic-strip artists, political satirists, caricaturists, visual humorists, illustrators, and misunderstood artistic pioneers. The range is extraordinary-from the legendary Joseph Keppler in the 1870s to the present-day graphic novelists. Readers will learn about the historically obscure foundations, the work of Robert Minor, Al Frueh, and Harry Tuthill, and the stories behind today's popular strips Blondie and Mother Goose and Grim. All of the artists included in Martin's book have significant connections to St. Louis region, and their contributions to the art of cartooning come to light in his engaging profiles. Published in cooperation with The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries."--Publisher's website.