Sempe

Jean-Jacques Semp+- is one of the most successful andbest-loved cartoonists in the world, best known from his cartoons that havegraced the covers and pages of the New Yorker for decades.Semp+- haspublished numerous collections of his work in his native France, but neverbefore have they been translated into English.Phaidon Press is delightedto present the first English translated publication of EVERYTHING ISCOMPLICATED by Jean-Jacques Semp+-, one of four witty and beautifullyillustrated collections from this notorious and widely adored cartoonist. Semp+- is equally adept at capturing the little indignities (and triumphs)of everyday life as he is at high farce.EVERYTHING IS COMPLICATED, thesecond Semp+- volume published in France, features some of his favoritesubjects, such as hapless tourists, pipe-smoking novelists and unrulyschoolchildren, as well as people who choose to express their innermostfeelings through the medium of the protest sign.One classic imageportrays a family after dinner; the father, still in his work attire (aclown costume) berates his three boys only to find that his tirade anddress leave the boys in hysterics. Another tell-tale cartoon tells of aworkers union parading the streets in protest, demanding their rights aswritten on expressive posters, while one concerned-looking man uses hissign to inquire if anyone in the crowd has lost a glove.These inimitabledrawings and watercolors, accompanied by perfectly judged deadpan captionsare fresh, engaging and funny.Semp+-'s work, once just the one-of-a-kind illustrations that appearedbefore our American eyes in delightful yet sporadic moments, can now bebrought home as an enchanting part of every family's library.EVERYTHINGIS COMPLICATED, just one volume of four, includes more than 100illustrations, both pen and ink, with captions translated by Anthea Bell. Professionals, children, and adults of any age will fall in love with thesecharming books.