As I’ve mentioned elsewhere a couple of times, reading Peanuts books on Christmas Day is a favorite childhood memory. It’s a tradition that is back again, thanks to the Fantagraphics Complete Peanuts series! This year’s boxed set covers the years 1963-1966, when Sparky’s creation went from being a popular comic strip to being a pop culture phenomenon.
The Cartoonbrew comment thread has been the best single place to go to read the wide ranging opinions on the Michaelis book. Which is why I’m so appreciative of Monte’s presence here, on DogRat.com!
I’ve come to the conclusion that Michaeli’s book is representative of the times we live in, because it’s all about the “spin.” There are lots of facts, but some are outright wrong and others are merely changed. There’s also selective mis-quoting, and an emphasis given to certain contributors over others, with the cumulative effect being everything in the book supports its central thesis.
It’s the old Sherlock Holmes edict — don’t make the facts fit the theory, make the theory fit the facts. Michaelis claims to have done the latter, but he actually did the former.
Driving home from Santa Barbara back up into the Sierra foothills this afternoon (seven hours on the road), I was telling my wife that there are many stressful things going on in my life, but none more irritating than having to get that essay finished! As I’ve told you before, no matter what anyone might think about my climbing on Dad’s coattails to gain some notoriety on here or in the press, I hate writing about David’s book. I wished I’d loved it, actually, then I wouldn’t have needed to say a thing. Instead, there I am over on Cartoonbrew again having to explain for the hundredth time why the biography irks us and how it’s untruthful. But I do appreciate all you guys. And all the nice things you’ve had to say. I just hope one day soon you’ll be able to see what I really write about, what interests me as a writer, and what Dad liked about my work.
Monte, I can almost hear the original Lucy voice saying, “has harassed me into writing all about that stupid biography …” Then she says, “I’m gonna clobber him!” 😉 Usually Linus is on the receiving end of the “five good reasons.”
Hi, Monte! So good to hear from you again. I will indeed be plenty interested in your essay. The good thing about Groth being pushy is he will undoubtedly give you all of the space you need to say whatever you wish.
One good outcome of the book’s release is you’ve used the Net to reach out and connect with us fans. We’re all greatly appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of the process of learning the facts and setting the record straight.
I think you’re going to be interested in the essay I’m writing for Gary Groth. It’s aggravating to do, but Gary has harassed me into writing all about that stupid biography, but the section on my relationship with David will be illuminating, I promise. And flattering to him, too, because we got along so well. After that, no more Schulz stuff, I promise. Well, Monte Schulz stuff, but that’s all.