The Cambridge History of the Graphic Novel provides the complete history of the graphic novel from its origins in the nineteenth century to its rise and startling success in the twentieth and twenty-first century. It includes original discussion on the current state of the graphic novel and analyzes how American, European, Middle Eastern, and Japanese renditions have shaped the field. Thirty-five leading scholars and historians unpack both forgotten trajectories as well as the famous key episodes, and explain how comics transitioned from being marketed as children's entertainment. Essays address the masters of the form, including Art Spiegelman, Alan Moore, and Marjane Satrapi, and reflect on their publishing history as well as their social and political effects. This ambitious history offers an extensive, detailed and expansive scholarly account of the graphic novel, and will be a key resource for scholars and students.

'… undoubtedly one of the great books of the year is [The] Cambridge History of the Graphic Novel (CUP, £125), a fabulously learned volume containing essays on everything from Little Nemo and The Silver Surfer to punk comics, Joe Sacco, LGBTQ comics and 'E-Graphic Novels'.'

Tim Martin, Source: The Spectator

'… an important addition to the scholarship on graphic literature, this volume will immediately be a foundational resource for all serious students of the genre. Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals ; general readers.'

M. F. McClure Source: Choice

‘The Cambridge History of the Graphic Novel is an ambitious and wideranging collection … The essays in this volume are individually excellent, and the narrative that emerges across the chronological sections proves rewarding for readers prepared to tackle this behemoth from cover to cover … In sum, this is an accessible and energetic volume that will primarily be of interest to scholars and students working in American studies, comics studies, literary studies, and related fields.'

Victoria Addis Source: The Library