Figure 1.--One of the "Classics Illustrated" was Twain's the "Adventures of Tom Sawyer". It was common for boys to go barefoot. The rest of the costuming, however, has a rather modern look.
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Figure 1.--One of the "Classics Illustrated" was Twain's the "Adventures of Tom Sawyer". It was common for boys to go barefoot. The rest of the costuming, however, has a rather modern look. |
There were also comic books on classic books--Classics Illustrated. They were of course perfect for highschool students not desiring to read their class assignments. As such the Classic Comics very carefully followed the plot lines of the books. These comics were published on a wide range of classic books, including editions on the famous Charles Dickens and Mark Twain classic characters. I am not sure to what extent the costuming was reserched. We have few details on the company or the editorial process. Many of the books had realtively limited costume descritions, so often the illustrations could not be based on the text of the book depicted.
Classics Illustrated was an American publication that printed about 166 titles in comic book form featuring the works of the
world's greatest authors.
There were also comic books on classic books--Classics Illustrated. They were of course perfect for highschool students not desiring to read their class assignments. As such the Classic Comics very carefully followed the plot lines of the books. I remember whilst growing up, reading comics was a favorite past time amongst children and teenagers. They were feverishly collected and swopped amongst ourselves. Usually parents, teachers and older peers frowned on this activity as it was viewed upon in poor light but it was generally tolerated. However, when one was seen reading 'Classics Illustrated',
it was seen in a good light and one was encouraged to read more substantial material.
Classics Illustrated was not as popular as the mainstream comics but there was a niche market for them. Sometimes they were sought after by school pupils when the literature book they had to study at school was also a title in Classics Illustrated.
Today, these comic books are starting to become collectors items. I don't know if they are still published.
These comics were published on a wide range of classic books, including editions on the famous Charles Dickens and Mark Twain classic characters. There were editions on several other boy characters. These of course depict the boy fashions of their era in detail. Some of the individual titles were: 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Samuel L. Clemens/Mark Twain (1967), 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson (1967), ' David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens (1967). There were several more, but we do not have a complete list at this time.
Classics Illustrated depicted the works of the great writers of Western literature, but were primarily American and British books. We note one exception--"The Best from Boys' Life". Boys' Life was the official publication of the Boy Scouts of America. It is the comparable publication the the Britih publication Scouting. It was similar in many ways to the British 'things to do' and 'activity' annuals. It contained short comic stories portraying heroic moments, bushcraft, sport and other activities related to scouting. There were also serialized comics on various stories that boys would find of interest.
'Treasure Island' is illustrated by Alex A. Blum, 'Tom Sawyer' by ?, 'David Copperifeld by H.C. Kiefer and various artists for Boys Life. The illustrator was not always credited in the comic books.
I am not sure to what extent the costuming was reserched. We have few details on the company or the editorial process. Many of the books had realtively limited costume descritions, so often the illustrations could not be based on the text of the book depicted.
The Classics Illustrated comics published by the Gilberton Company, New
York, USA.
A British reader tells us, "I remember the American Classics Illustrated. They were well produced books these we could get in england from the book stalls on the Market or the news paper shops."
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