Krazy: George Herriman, a Life in Black and White

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A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2017, WINNER OF THE EISNER AWARD FOR BEST COMICS-RELATED BOOK, and FINALIST FOR THE NBCC AWARD IN BIOGRAPHY, this biography delves into the life of George Herriman, the creator of Krazy Kat. It reveals the complex backdrop of his life and the profound secrets he explored through his art. Born in nineteenth-century New Orleans, Herriman grew as an illustrator and cartoonist in Los Angeles and New York. His Krazy Kat cartoons, featured in major newspapers of the early twentieth century, earned him fame and are credited with transforming cartoons into a legitimate art form. Herriman's work reflects a modernist perspective, influenced by his travels and the diverse landscapes he encountered, from bustling cities to the stark deserts of the Southwest. However, beneath his public persona lay a private truth: Herriman, known as "the Greek" for his appearance, was actually African American, born to a prominent Creole family that concealed its racial identity during Reconstruction. Drawing on extensive research, interviews, and analysis of Herriman’s work, Michael Tisserand vividly brings to life this often-overlooked artist, honoring his significant impact on modern culture.