Rating: 
Summary: Hilarious!
Review: "The Prehistory of the Far Side: A Tenth Anniversary Exhibit," by Gary Larson, is a slightly different volume in the "Far Side" book series. This book collects Larson's cartoons, but there's more: according to the foreword, the purpose of the book is "to reveal some of the background, anecdotes, foibles, and 'behind-the-scenes' experiences related to this cartoon panel." Part of the book's fun is figuring out what parts of this "behind-the-scenes" material are for real and what parts are just further jokes on Larson's part.Material in the book includes Larson's childhood drawings; early, rough versions of some of his cartoons, along with the versions ultimately used; stories of the personal experiences behind certain panels; and more. One hilarious section records an editor's mistaken switch of a "Far Side" caption with a "Dennis the Menace" caption (Dennis has never been more menacing). And there's much more. And of course, there's a straightforward gallery of some of Larson's twisted cartoons. Among the sights the reader will encounter are dog hell; the Secret Chipmunk Burial Grounds; a screening of an amoeba porn flick; and an encounter with the sinister Professor DeArmond -- "the epitome of evil amongst butterfly collectors!". Larson's "Far Side" cartooons are a unique blend of satire, horror, science fiction, and surreal hilarity. If you're a fan, don't miss this collection.
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious!
Review: "The Prehistory of the Far Side: A Tenth Anniversary Exhibit," by Gary Larson, is a slightly different volume in the "Far Side" book series. This book collects Larson's cartoons, but there's more: according to the foreword, the purpose of the book is "to reveal some of the background, anecdotes, foibles, and 'behind-the-scenes' experiences related to this cartoon panel." Part of the book's fun is figuring out what parts of this "behind-the-scenes" material are for real and what parts are just further jokes on Larson's part. Material in the book includes Larson's childhood drawings; early, rough versions of some of his cartoons, along with the versions ultimately used; stories of the personal experiences behind certain panels; and more. One hilarious section records an editor's mistaken switch of a "Far Side" caption with a "Dennis the Menace" caption (Dennis has never been more menacing). And there's much more. And of course, there's a straightforward gallery of some of Larson's twisted cartoons. Among the sights the reader will encounter are dog hell; the Secret Chipmunk Burial Grounds; a screening of an amoeba porn flick; and an encounter with the sinister Professor DeArmond -- "the epitome of evil amongst butterfly collectors!". Larson's "Far Side" cartooons are a unique blend of satire, horror, science fiction, and surreal hilarity. If you're a fan, don't miss this collection.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Have Book (if you like to laugh)!
Review: ...but was afraid to ask. Larson gives you an inside view into is wonderfully sick brain. From his rocky, struggling beginnings of being a starving cartoonist, to the monster he created, he spills all. Some of the highlights are the chapters on cartoons that his editor wouldn't allow to be published and his late-night sketchbook doodles. Along with his comments on the cartoons, he has complied a sort of "Greatest Hits" of his cartoons. This book never gets old. I'll pick it up every few months and be rolling on the floor with laughter every time.
Rating:
Summary: All you ever wanted to know about Larson...
Review: ...but was afraid to ask. Larson gives you an inside view into is wonderfully sick brain. From his rocky, struggling beginnings of being a starving cartoonist, to the monster he created, he spills all. Some of the highlights are the chapters on cartoons that his editor wouldn't allow to be published and his late-night sketchbook doodles. Along with his comments on the cartoons, he has complied a sort of "Greatest Hits" of his cartoons. This book never gets old. I'll pick it up every few months and be rolling on the floor with laughter every time.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing close-up of the Far Side of Gary Larson
Review: A workmate showed me this book. I bought it the next day and have read it at least dozen times since then! The Far Side is the funniest comic I've ever seen. I base this upon how many times a comic makes me laugh outloud, and HOW loud. Gary Larsons books have done this far more frequently than any other! My favorite section is the "rejected" ones! If you like the Far Side, this book should be placed first on your shelf of Far Side books. I was keenly entertained by his little notes and comments of how he comes up with his ideas, and his sketchbook samples!
Rating:
Summary: Essential for any fan
Review: Both Gary Larson and Bill Watterson have contributed an amazing amount to the world of literature, and through COMICS, no less! I love both authors, and this Far Side collection, in which Larson gives some background insights into the macabre cogs which turn behind the Far Side, is absolutely essential for any fan. I cannot belive both Larson and Watterson have retired, although I suppose you only get so much of a good thing. I'm still massively grateful to have been able to experience the wonderful and hilarious things Larson's mind has produced--get this book!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Artist -- An Essential Text
Review: For anyone who appreciates Gary Larson, this is an important work that gives us insight into the creative process of one of America's great humorists. Seeing any single panel of the Far Side will skew your view of the world permanently, or maybe just make you see just a bit more clearly. This book is a permanent contribution to American literature.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Hilarious
Review: For those of us in 'the biological realm'....who have a warped sense of humour...Larsen fits right in! My ultimate favourite....Tether Cat...for which he received soooo much flack for....and his response was....well you know...priceless!
Rating:
Summary: what a sick man
Review: Gary Larson created The Far Side comics and did so much for the world of comics. He broke taboos, he did disgusting things, he used intelligence with his wicked (and twisted) sense of humor. When you talk about the greatest cartoonists and strips you mention Garfield (old Garfield before Davis fielded out all the work), Calvin & Hobbes (which fits perfectly with Larson), and The Far Side (I'd also include the relatively new strip, Get Fuzzy). This book collects Larson's work, new work, and work he never showed. You have to see it to believe it, and it is one of the funniest things I've ever seen.
Rating:
Summary: hahaha
Review: great collection of gary larsons greatest and worst works a most buy for anyone who enjoys laughing
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