The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest Book

I bought this as a gift for a friend who loves the cartoon contest cartoons in the New Yorker. She loves it.

This delightful compilation of The New Yorker cartoon contest of captions will keep readers engrossed from beginning to end. Rather than simply introducing the winning captions, the book is set up to give finalists a chance to shine... as well as the top runners-up. Voting percentages are presented for first, second and third place but some of the real interest in the cartoon caption contest book comes from winners and finalists interviewed after their caption had been submitted. The process of how ideas are formulated is as intriguing as the captions themselves. A revelation about the book comes from the recognition that the funniest captions do not always translate into the winning ones. The weekly submissions number in the thousands, so entrants must realize their chances of acceptance are slim. Clearly, however, this doesn't seem to stop many from entering and entering often...indeed, like winning the lottery, the jackpot is even sweeter.

Every week, I promise myself I'll read the last page of "The New Yorker" LAST. Every week, somehow the magazine falls open to that page every single week. Ah well, next week I'll do better. The three week cycle is almost perfect in building suspense and sometimes disappointment: the first appearance of the cartoon filled with mystery and draft captions of my own; the second appearance either disappointment or delight at how clever readers who are competing often are; and the third appearance sometimes a bit of a let down, but always funny and besides, there are two other cartoons always in the pipeline. The book brings back many of the joys of old favorites; the follow up stories of the winners are pleasant; and the pie charts of the votes very enlightening. [I've discovered I'm very often in a very distinct minority.] Hilarious. A great book for any one who enjoys cartoons. Robert C. Ross 2008

How has no one reviewed this yet? I love the NY caption contest and although I've not yet ever bothered to enter, I feel, along with thousands of others no doubt, that many of my captions are much better than these rubes have managed. Nonetheless, there are many classics in here, and the little extra stories that go along with them are oft fascinating. If you love cartoons, especially single panels, then this is a fine tome indeed. It makes you think about what makes a cartoon great, and encourages the imagination to flow freely and funnily. Square deal. Have we turned the corner to a newer, brighter, funnier America? If so, here's a fine companion to a more pleasant and enjoyable era. [Edit, 7/7/10: insert Bronx cheer here] And really, my caption for contest 165, 10/20/08, should grace the next edition of this compilation: "Actually, after taxes we turn a profit." While not the insane bonanza of the complete NY cartoon collection, this is a worthy purchase for those who need to laugh some more. Which means you.