Cartoon Book Flies off Shelves

PUBLISHERS ORDER 2nd IMPRINT OF POPULAR BOOK

'Don't Joke! The Year in Cartoons' - the inaugural annual of South African editorial cartoons - has sold so well since it was launched last December that the book's publishers, Jacana Media, have ordered a reprint in anticipation of stocks running out in two month's time.

Several hundred copies of the first edition are still available at large book stores across the country, but smaller stores and independents have complained that they have not been able to obtain copies for themselves.

Edited by Andy Mason and John Curtis, and featuring almost 400 political cartoons by some 30 top South African cartoonists, Don't Joke! is a first of its kind in the country and has clearly proven itself viable, particularly in a year which has seen the publishing of almost a dozen cartoon and satire annuals - the most abundant year for such reading in many.  

The  publishers, who have established themselves as market leaders of the genre with about half of the dozen titles in their stable, were initially concerned about a potential saturation of satire and so limited the initial print order.

But successful book launches hosted in Cape Town and Durban, with packed attendances, and early sales have indicated there was room for one more publication featuring the talents of cartoonists from all over the country.

"If such interest in satire is on account of the wonderful material provided by our politicians during 2009; we're already on track for even higher interest in 2010!" remarked Curtis enthusiastically.  

A third book launch is to be held at the University of Stellenbosch on Thursday, April 15th from 17h30 (please see attached invitation for details), to celebrate this success and present copies of the book to the institution's Centre for Comic, Illustrative and Book Art (CCIBA), who are the recipients of all royalties from the book. 

The Times' daily cartoonist Jeremy Nell and syndicated labour journalist Terry Bell will address the launch, followed by a presentation by editors Mason and Curtis. Some of the cartoonists featured in Don't Joke! will be on hand to sign copies which will be available for sale. All are welcome.

YOU'RE INVITED...

To the Stellenbosch launch of 'Don't Joke!' The Year in Cartoons on Thurs, 15th April, 2010, 17h30 for 16h00 at the  Visual Arts Department, Victoria St, University of Stellenbosch.

Posted on Apr 09, 2010 by Africartoons