The R. Crumb Coffee Table Art Book (Kitchen Sink Press Book for Back Bay Books)

Surprise gift for my husband for Christmas.A blast from the past. We are Crumb fans.

I had always avoided this book because the title lead me to believe it was just an art book that didn't have any of Crumb's comics in it. Then I finally realized it's a huge book mostly made up of Crumb's comics with some first rate sketchbook drawings and even sketchbook comics, some of which are just as entertaining as his published comics. In addition to this, it's split up into chapters and each chapter features an introduction by Crumb where he pretty much narrates his own life. They did a really good job selecting which comics to put in here. They steered clear of printing a lot of Crumb's earliest (pre-68) stuff and printed a lot of his later work (late 70s-mid 90s),which are not only Crumb's best comics, but some of the best comics ever made, IMO. And thankfully, they hardly printed any of his Fritz the Cat stuff, which might be some of his most well known work, but deifinitely his weakest. I should also mention that a lot of the comics have been colored for this book. I thought that the coloring would look really bad, but I think it actually looks really good and adds to the comics.Anyway, if you're like me and you like Crumb, but you're not really sure which one of his books to pick up, get this one.

I first became a Robert Crumb fan in the sixties. I remember buying Zap#1 at the Free Press Book Store in Los Angeles. It was to art as Jimi Hendrix's "Are You Experienced?" was to music at the time. Both pretty much blew my mind as a young impressionable teenager. (Sold to "Adults Only"? hah!) Its Nothing Sacred attitude and straight-up uncensored dialogue and art got me. The artist himself remained sort of a mystery man. How could someone be so brilliant in one series,and then disappoint me so much in another? He seemed so afraid of "selling out" he occasionally just went for shock value or put out some junk calculated to alienate. (News Flash: Crumb disdains most of his fans...yeah- you too, fan-boy.) This book is an autobiography told in art and text that reveals a lot about Crumb's character and influences. Do not buy this book if you are not into biographies, you won't like it. However, if you are a Crumb fan, it gives an entertaining insight into his struggles and regrets as an artist trying to maintain his own code of artistic integrity. I see his influences every day in commercial and popular art and get enjoyment from knowing who the "real deal" is that they've been influenced by or are out and out ripping off. Buy this book.

Robert Crumb probably despises this book, but he can't deny the quality of the contents and layout. I have always loved the demented artwork and philosophy of R. Crumb,ever since I was a long-haired freak(not a hippie)back in the 60's and 70's. His "comix" captured the insanity of that era with razor sharp wit and insight and since I have no originals to cherish, this book comes as close as I will ever get.Its oversize pages, allow the details of Crumb's work to stand out, and no effort is spared to showcase the color graphics and psychedelia of that genre. I love the book and am forever grateful the publishers took the time to do it right.

If you can find this book and are an R. Crumb fan, grab it! It’s awesome.

If you, like me, love R. Crumb, this will be right up your alley. If you are as yet unfamiliar with his work, buy the book, take the ride and you won't be disappointed. Your coffee table, and the people who visit it, will thank you.

I have always liked Crumb since I was exposed to it just after puberty all too long ago. Easy to read.

I've been a fan of R. Crumb for almost 50 years(yikes!) and still enjoy all theotherworldly art and ideas from so long ago. What were once cheap comic booksare now high priced collector items, but this paperback is chock full of all the stuffthat made us all laugh during the youthful experimentation phase of our lives.Buy it and spend some time quietly savoring the outrageous art and humor ofone of America's most underappreciated counterculture figures! Cheap thrills!!!

Tres bon!

There is no mistasking the distinctive art style of Robert Crumb. But it is not for the feint-hearted. There mare several landmines lying in wait amongst the gorgeous shading and attention to detail. Some of which are so racist, that it is difficult to conceive that they are actually being printed for public consumption. The pornographic and the pictorial jostle for position within the same spread, illustrating the confusion and resentment that Crumb feels towards the modern world.Anyone awaiting coffee with this on the table is in for some Russian roulette, when it comes to casually flicking through its pages. More tea vicar?

Quality product encapsulating Crumb's work and unique take on the world.

Fabulous and extremely interesting book about an amazing artist. If you are interested in the history of Robert Crumbs' influence on modern cartoonists give this a read. You won't regret it.

Somebody borrowed my original copy so was really pleased to buy this again. I love it.