PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED

A memoir from the celebrated political satirist, caricaturist, and illustrator.

Sorel (b. 1929), widely known for his left-leaning artistic lampooning of prominent political and entertainment figures, charts his life story beginning with his childhood in the Bronx. Raised by Jewish immigrants, he established an early love of movies and drawing while recuperating from lingering pneumonia. Sorel’s artistry blossomed alongside an unusually keen political awareness, which proliferated throughout his school years. Following his crisp, youthful analysis of Harry Truman’s presidency, he scrutinized the numerous scandals of later administrations. Early jobs at Esquire and CBS gave Sorel the opportunity to co-develop and promote his comic self-publication business Push Pin Studios. A psychologically damaging failed marriage was assuaged by a burgeoning career and a fulfilling second marriage. As his acclaim grew, his singular artwork and satirical wit garnered him numerous awards. Throughout, the author examines the many ways in which politics has influenced his work, propelling him to astutely express his perspectives through brilliant (and often scathing) works of pen-and-ink art. He also weaves in engaging discussions of his sharp-witted, biting commentary on a succession of more controversial, “unconstitutional” American presidents, from Nixon to Trump. “Tricky Dick had a face born for caricature,” he writes. “We had a field day.” Sorel also expanded his artistic reach to include other aspects of popular culture, including organized religion and, more specifically, religious zealotry. Sorel notes that his book serves as an “attempt to save a few of my drawings from the oblivion that is the usual fate of ephemeral magazine art. It’s also a way to convince myself that spending a lifetime making funny pictures was not an entirely worthless endeavor.” As a sharp cultural observer and an enticing raconteur, the author shines throughout his entertaining anecdotes and unique artwork. Fans of Sorel’s storied artistry will welcome this generously illustrated centerpiece.

A colorfully entertaining self-portrait conveyed through pithy prose and vital artwork.