Us and Them: What the British Think of the Americans; What the Americans Think of the British

This is a clever double sided book of comments on Americans by the British, and on the British by Americans. London-based illustrator Davis uses a mix of the funny, grotesque and closely observed. Davis allots each subject a single page, usually drawn in his wavering line and muddy, minimal coloring, with a caption floating somewhere near the subject's head. On one side of the book (it has two covers, and reverses in the middle), a Londoner with an immense head and long hair says, ""They are nothing but evil."" On the other side are the Americans, drawn from a trip across country, and they are no less absurd. A lithe L.A. man in a Gucci swimsuit declares, ""I gotta say, the English don't breed lookers. No offense."" And on it goes, single drawing after single drawing, presented as documents on the page, warts (and often hotel stationary) and all. The drawings and text accumulate into a fairly well-rounded, if cynical, portrait of both cultures. What each chooses to say about the other-and the way they say it-is as telling as the actual remark. This is an entertaining volume of words and pictures, perfect for dipping into for a laugh, and an excellent gift for the trans-Atlantic nemesis of your choice.