“A Wealth of Pigeons” Book Review

Book: “A Wealth of Pigeons” by Harry Bliss and Steve Martin

Genre: Cartoon Collection

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Blogger’s Note: Thank you to Celadon books for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Steve Martin and Harry Bliss have curated an outstanding collection of their New Yorker style cartoons and placed them into a square shaped coffee table book that is sure to please. Steve Martin opens the book with an informal introduction told in his familiar endearing voice. He discusses how the idea was created for the book, his inspiration and the admirable artistic skills of Harry Bliss who brought Martin’s ideas to life.

This collection is diverse and yet carries a thread of connection from comic to comic. The book covers daily topics like marriage, food, travel and home life. However, the collection also expands to larger topics like global warming, ethical farming practices and politics. The heavier topics are woven throughout the book and spaced out by lighthearted, more simple cartoons. These fun sketches are lighter and allow for a completely easy going experience as readers peruse the book.

Some of my favorite cartoons included a social commentary on marriage and “Game of Thrones” along with the pertinent cartoon about Monsanto and fresh produce. I really enjoyed how some of the cartoons evoked a sense of deeper meaning and critical thinking within me while others just made me laugh out loud and flag down my husband to make him look at that particular sketch. I also enjoyed that the book itself was “self-aware.” The authors included sections of cartoons about themselves writing and illustrating the book… so it was like a behind the scenes look into the creation of the product as well. This approach gave the book a more intimate, familiar and friendly feel to it and made sitting down to read it feel more comforting and relaxing.

With smart captions, superb wit and excellent artistry, Steven Martin and Harry Bliss will sneak their way into your heart with this collection of cartoons. This book would make a great addition to a display or to have out on a coffee table… perhaps opened up to your favorite page!

Recommendations: This is a must buy for anyone who enjoys “The New Yorker” cartoons or Steve Martin. Perfect for a coffee table that needs a good looking book poised to start discussions!