ECC Cartoonbooks Club: All about The Fab Four in 'Het kleine boek van de Beatles'

Sunday, July 17, 2011

All about The Fab Four in 'Het kleine boek van de Beatles'

When I received the press release about this book, I was interested to learn more about it. Who isn't a Beatle fan? I asked Kelly, comics and graphic novel marketing manager of Standaard Uitgeverij if this book could interest our blog readers. She aswered affirmative.

Is it a cartoon book? Is it a caricature book? Is it a comic strip? ... NO! It's 'Het kleine boek van the Beatles' , the Dutch edition of 'Le Petit Livre des Beatles' by Hervé Bourhis. (do not confuse with 'The Little book of The Beatles'!)

"Het Kleine boek van The Beatles (Oog & Blik/De Bezige Bij,2011, ISBN 978 90 5492 322 0) examines The 'Fab Four' from Liverpool minutely. With his sharp analysis Hervé Bourhis manages to surprise even the biggest Beatles fanatic. He explores all facets of the group, the triumphs and successes, the innovation, but also the complications and the tragedy that fame brings. He traces John, Paul, George and Ringo from birth , shows us their development to pop stars, and searches out the origin of their songs. " Also the solo cariers of the band members are illustrated.

Being used to laugh and smile watching cartoons and caricatures, browsing through this book is an experience of a different kind, even a very delightful experience. I experienced the book as a Beatles photo book, but the photos are replaced with great drawings (most based on real photos), supplemented with nice comments and interesting Beatles facts. Bourhis even drew all covers of the Beatles disks in this book. This book is a must have for all Beatles fans. It's a fresh and original way to (re)discover the wonderful world of the greatest band ever.
Hervé Bourhis lives in Bordeaux (France) and works as an illustrator and cartoonist for several magazines. He has several titles to his name. Bourhis was awarded the Goscinny prize for best screenwriter in 2002 and the Prix Jacques Lob for his complete oeuvre in 2010.