Few morose thoughts permeate the brain when Yosemite Sam calls Bugs Bunny a “long-eared galut” or a frustrated Homer Simpson blurts out his famous catch-word, “D’oh!” A Celebration of Animation explores the best-of-the-best cartoon characters from the 1920s to the 21st century. Casting a wide net, it includes characters both serious and humorous, and ranging from silly to malevolent. But all the greats gracing this book are sure to trigger nostalgic memories of carefree Saturday mornings or after-school hours with family and friends in front of the TV set.

Marty Gitlin is a veteran author and sportswriter. He has had nearly 100 books published since 2006, including several in the pop culture realm. His Great American Cereal Book (Harry Abrams, 2012) soared to No. 1 in both the Americana and Breakfast Book categories on Amazon.com immediately upon release and remained there for several months. He has won more than 45 awards as a sportswriter from 1991 to 2002, including first place for general excellence from The Associated Press, which selected him as one of the top four feature writers in Ohio. Joe Wos has been professionally connected to cartoons since the age of 14. For over 30 years his career path has taken as many twists and turns as one of his popular cartoon illustrated mazes. He has always found unique ways to pursue his passion for cartoons. He illustrates live performances with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, exhibits his art in museums and his MazeToons, a unique edition to the funny pages that is part cartoon and part puzzle, is syndicated nationwide by Creators Syndicate. Besides his work in the cartoon arts, Joe is a freelance writer for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and pop culture contributor to WESA, an NPR affiliate.