British Comics

'an invaluable resource for even the most laissez-faire of fans.'-Seven Magazine, Sunday Telegraph; 'Chapman's British Comics does an excellent job of condensing the rich story of comics in the UK into a very readable narrative, exploring their long history and celebrating recent successes. Chapman provides exactly what the title promises. The book is hugely informative and engaging, focusing on how comics can provide insights into society and often mirror political events . . . there is for the general reader much here that will surprise and delight.'-History Today; '[a] cogent and enjoyable new study . . . Chapman proves to be an enthusiastic guide.'-TLS; 'This is a book that reminds us of the fantasy worlds we have lived in, and analyses the appeal and structure of those worlds. Only those who enjoy popular culture can write about it well, and British Comics is a book in which not only is a genre analysed with expertise but enthusiasm is recollected.'-Times Higher Education; 'James Chapman has penned the first truly scholarly survey of the origins and development of comics in Britain . . . a solidly researched piece of cultural history'-The Comics Journal; 'Chapman takes a broad approach but offers specific examples . . . Popping up along the way are issues such as race, gender, censorship, the Cold War. Quotes, anecdotes and gems of knowledge add spice to an already facile reading. This superb, well-researched, well-thought-out volume deserves to be read by comics scholars and enthusiasts alike. Highly recommended.'-Choice;'Chapman's analysis of key characters such as Dan Dare in their various incarnations is absorbing. Even when discussing well known characters, this book is full of interesting titbits . . . Chapman's attempt to situate both creators and product in relation to social history is fascinating . . . its lively and interesting style makes it more than suited to the active fan and those nostalgic for the comics of their youth.'-Eye;'a valuable contribution to British comics history'-Comicbitsonline;'a well-written, well researched book, which is attractive and quite enjoyable to read.'-Cercles;'The British comic industry and tradition, often overshadowed by the American one, gets an interesting and important treatment in this book, which traces the history of British comics over the past two centuries in relation to economics and class, gender, war, technology, and the vagaries of the publishing business and popular taste.'-Anthropology Review Database