1 October 2024 Susannah

Literary Wit and Whimsy

Tom Gauld, cartoonist

I bet you have seen the work of Tom Gauld, but perhaps don’t recognise his name. Gauld is a cartoonist who produces instantly recognisable work by his clever, clean drawings. He uses a blend of deadpan humour and sharp wit to take a playful poke at the literary world, and his cartoons and illustrations are regularly seen in publications such as The New Yorker, The Guardian, The New York Times and New Scientist.

Gauld’s work explores the human condition. His humour, while sharp, is never cruel, and his ability to marry the complex with the comical makes readers chuckle at life’s small absurdities.

Born in Aberdeen in 1976, Gauld studied illustration at the Edinburgh College of Art and the Royal College of Art in London, a background that sharpened his distinctive style.

Books such as Revenge of the Librarians showcase his love for literary parody, cleverly poking fun at the intellectual world with his smart, often absurd punchlines.

Gauld’s cartoons offer not just laughs, but also keen insights into our modern world. Enjoy his genius here: Tom Gauld’s cultural cartoons and here: Tom Gauld Instagram.

Does Tom Gauld’s humour appeal to you? Do you own any of his books? Let me know by leaving a comment.

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