The Peanuts Collection: Treasures from the World's Most Beloved Comic Strip

This slipcased, scrapbook-style homage to Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts commemorates the comic strip's 60th anniversary. Mined from the Schulz museum and family archives, photographs, booklets, prints, and removable reproductions (such as a Peanuts-themed "scrapbook" for the Ford Falcon) document the evolution of characters like Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. The volume of merchandise on display makes evident the comic's cultural influence, but readers may be surprised to learn of the comic's social impact: a 1968 letter (included as a reproduction) implores Schulz to diversify the cast: "It occurred to me today that the introduction of Negro children... could happen with a minimum of impact" (Schulz then introduced Franklin). And following the publication of Silent Spring in 1962, Lucy mentions that her baseball bat is signed by Rachel Carson. Discussions of Schulz's 2000 death and Peanuts themes like "unrequited love" may bring a tear to the eyes of steadfast fans. The comic's spirit of quiet wisdom resonates through the carefully compiled memorabilia. (Oct.)