The Art of Rube Goldberg

Book excerpt: A “generously illustrated and well-designed appreciation” of the Pulitzer Prize–winning illustrator, with an introduction by New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik.(The New York Times) Cartoonist, humorist, sculptor, author, engineer, and inventor, Rube Goldberg wrote and illustrated nearly 50,000 cartoon in his seventy-two-year career. Goldberg (1883–1970) was the most famous cartoonist of his time, best known for his comical inventions, which were syndicated in daily newspapers throughout the world. Author Jennifer George celebrates all aspects of her grandfather’s career, from his very first published drawings in his high school newspaper and college yearbook to his iconic inventions, his comic strips and advertising work, and his later sculpture and Pulitzer Prize–winning political cartoons. Also included are essays from such writers and comic historians as Adam Gopnik, Al Jaffee, Carl Linich, Peter Meresca, Paul Tumey and Brian Walker, as well as rare photographs, letters, memorabilia, and patents, many reproduced here for the first time. Brilliantly designed and packaged to capture the inventiveness of Rube Goldberg’s work, The Art of Rube Goldberg is a coffee table book the whole family can enjoy. “Goldberg’s cartoons touch the edge of modern art.” —Adam Gopnik “There will likely never be another Rube Goldberg. Fortunately, his granddaughter’s wonderful book ensures that we’ll always remember this one-of-a-kind cartooning legend.” ―The Washington Times