The Complete Far Side 1980-1994 (2 vol set) by Gary Larson, Steve Martin
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Book Reviews of The Complete Far Side 1980-1994 (2 vol set)
Book Review: Superb!
Summary: 5 Stars
No one is funnier than Larson (and he has very few peers) on a roll. For those whose day was cheered simply by seeing what dark, irreverent, or otherwise totally off the wall idea he had created, the lack of Larson on a daily basis has left a huge hole that no one following him has been able to fill.Far Side addicts, rejoice! This is a complete compliation of many old friends and a some not previously published ones, and if one reads these tomes slowly, it's almost like having a daily Far Side fix again. The books are of wonderful quality and the drawings are beautifully reproduced, well worth every penny! Plus there are fascinating essays by Larson that aren't available in any of the other compilations of The Far Side.
My only complaint is that the books are very large, heavy (each one weighs about 10 pounds -- I weighed them on my scale; in fact, there was a warning from Amazon about the weight on the package containing them) and a bit cumbersome to manage. Three or four volumes would have been better. But this is not an impediment to purchasing these books, because the content and the quality overcome this slight deficiency.
Enjoy!
Book Review: Missing classic inserts, but still indispensible collection
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently bought this for my fiance for Valentine's Day, and we continue to get infinate amusement from it.
It's complete with all the cartoons that appeared in newspapers, the "Beyond the Far Side" bits that were published after Larson's retirement, and many amusing letters he has recieved throughout his career. It misses, however, the classic inserts featuring "Weiner Dog Art" and "Cows of our Planet" that graced the centers of their respective Far Side Books. Nevertheless, the comics are wonderfully printed in color and thankfully ordered chonologically, and the books are marvelously bound--a wonderful tribute to a genius and his classic works. The set was well worth the money, and I expect that my soon-to-be husband and I will enjoy relaxing with the beloved comic of our youth for years to come.
My reccomendation--This book alone is perfect for the true Larson connosieur. For the full Larson experience, make sure you add "There's a Hair in my Dirt: A Worm's Story" (a lovely storybook by Larson) as well as "Cows of our Planet" and "Weiner Dog Art" (if you are set on getting the center gallaries from those) to your arsenal.
Book Review: twenty pounds of hilarity
Summary: 5 Stars
normally i don't buy my comedy by the pound, but this compendium offers both quantity AND quality. there does seem to be some discrepancy as to the set's actual weight--and frankly, i haven't had the time nor the inclination to actually weigh it, but suffice it to say it is BIG.the volumes are beatifully bound in hard cover and printed on a very heavy , archival bond. top notch printing and a gorgeous slip cover make these tomes a joy to behold.
i won't gush in any detail about how larson is a genius or how his comic changed my life because i figure if you are reading this review to begin with, you are familiar with the farside. i will say this however, had i been drinking milk upon my first reading of this book, it would have surely spewn from my nose. it is THAT funny.
one warning: the literal-thinking, slow witted, closed minded and/or acerebral witlings need not apply. if you don't "get" this kind of humor, buying this book will be a colossal mistake and will yield nothing more than a very nice, 20 lb paper weight. on the other hand, if you do get it--buy the book. trust me--have i ever lied to you before?
Book Review: WORTH THE PRICE
Summary: 5 Stars
Not only will you enjoy reading these classic cartoons, they will look terrific on your bookshelf! The cartoons are printed on a very fine paper, the books are beautifully bound, and they are placed inside a very attractive display case. I was impressed that the publisher has taken the time to put together a nearly comprehensive collection of every Far Side cartoon ever published. The cartoons are arranged roughly in chronological order. At the start of each year is an essay written by Larson, describing various fascinating aspects of his formative years along with how he came up with some of his ideas. Right before each essay is a two-page panoramic cartoon with the year emblazoned on it. Beautiful work. And very funny too. It is a a volume demanding your respect and it should be treated as that. Do not give it to your child, until he or she deserves it :-) Another great book that I highly recommend, both for its great cover design and very interesting story line, is "Why Some cats are rascals"Why Some Cats are Rascals ( Book 3)Book Review: Amazing Collection - Highly Recommended!
Summary: 5 Stars
WOW, I love Gary Larson's "Far Side" and have have always wanted this massive two volume set but never could justify buying it for myself, so I was absolutely thrilled to receive it as a gift this year!
First thing to note that while these are cartoons, it is not "light" reading since each volume weighs more that I comfortably hold on my lap (seriously, they must come in at almost ten pounds each). The books and case are generally high quality and should hold up well for years of repeated viewing.
The cartoons are the complete run of the Far Side, from 1980-1994, and contain over 4300 individual cartoons. I am surprised how many of them I didn't originally see and even more surprised about how many I remember and still find absolutely hysterical. The forward and commentary by Larson is also an enjoyable look into the creative process that went coming up these offbeat cartoons.
Not necessarily relevant to the review, but definitely to my enjoyment of the collection, Larson liked to pick on the name "Carl", which happens to be my first name.
Highly Recommended
CFH