Hardcover, 166 pages
English language
Published Nov. 15, 2011 by Drawn & Quarterly, Distributed in the USA by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
"Hark! A Vagrant" takes readers on a romp through history and literature--with dignity for few and cookies for all--with comic strips about famous authors, their characters, and political and historical figures, all drawn in Kate Beaton's pared-down, excitable style. This collection features favorite stories as well as new, previously unpublished content. Whether she's writing about Nikola Tesla, Napoleon, or Nancy Drew, Beaton brings a refined sense of the absurd to every situation.
These were hilarious, and the focus on historical humor was a delight.
These were hilarious, and the focus on historical humor was a delight.
A book from an author that I've been meaning to read more of for at least 1.5 years now, Kate Beaton is simply a joy to read. The way she blends pop culture, history and literature is really genius. Jumping back and forth between all these subjects (and a few more at times) Beaton always manages to keep readers on their toes. Even though these were more single strip comics (which I generally have an easy time putting down) I kept finding myself being pulled further and further, excited to see where Beaton would take me next!
Coming to this having only ever read Never Learn Anything From History, I was really impressed with how you can still see her talent developing throughout the anthology. I really appreciated the use of monochrome water color, and the ways she caricatures people is really endearing.
