Nothing is more essential for survival in our troubled world than humor—the balm to the pain of modern existence, an antidote to contemporary strife. John Bailey has put together his eighth annual collection, a joyous and witty compilation of the best cartoons of the year, self-contained gems that will lift your spirits and broaden your horizons. Here are everyday situations adapted and turned around by men who mview the world in their own weird and wonderful way.

Some of the talented and creative cartoonists John Bailey has chosen are Charles Saxon, Eldon Dedini, James Stevenson, Stanislav Holy, William Steig, Barney Tobey, Whitney Darrow, Jr.,Vladimir Rencin, Adolf Born, Vlasta Zabransky, Frank Modell, Michael ffolkes, Peter Paul Porges, Robert Andre, George Booth, Peter Haas, Charles Addams, Jean-JacquesSempe, John Glashan, and many more.

As Bailey has noted in his introduction: ‘‘From time to time various persons are moved to remark that humor cannot be analyzed. But the professional  cartoonist has carefully analyzed the several basic gag-structures: Self-Justification and Rejection ('if that is right, I am wrong.'); Displacement ('A martyr is a pile of wood set on fire with a man on top.'); the Opposite ('Perhaps you have the corset on upside down.');  Play with Words and Love of Non-Reason ('... lead us not into Penn Station.'); Familiarity and Recognition; Resentment of Authority, Incongruity; and a few others." 

Because the cartoonists in this book understand these structures, Great Cartoons of the World will add immeasurably to our understanding both of ourselves and the world around us. It will also amuse and entertain us, with its kaleidoscope view of what is funny and sad in our lives.