
Chester Gould
A Daughter's Biography of the Creator of Dick Tracy
Jean Gould O'Connell(Author)
McFarland & Co Inc (Publisher)
Published on 19. September 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
231 pages
978-0-7864-7299-4 (ISBN)
Description
In 1931, the Chicago Tribune introduced the public to an exciting new comic strip destined to become a classic: Dick Tracy. Tracy's creator, Chester Gould, would spend the next 46 years of his life developing the dynamic, crime-fighting character, and his work on the strip won him the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year in both 1959 and 1977.
A revolutionary in the comics industry, Gould invented both a genre and an icon. The personal story of this pioneer cartoonist is now presented in a biography written by Gould's only child. Beginning with his young life in a three-room house in Pawnee, Oklahoma, this book traces all the steps Gould took to eventually achieve remarkable distinction at the top of his field. The early pages relate his ancestors' part in the Oklahoma land rush, drawing on the unpublished memoir of his father, Gilbert Gould. Chester Gould's story is then augmented by his own personal commentary, taken directly from recorded conversations with his daughter. Throughout these conversations, Gould recollects the evolution of his career, from painting advertisements on barn roofs at age 17 to documenting the violent crime life of Chicago, from which he drew inspiration for his Dick Tracy strip. Discussion of his ambitions, disappointments, popular accomplishments, and family moments comprise a thorough account of Chester Gould's fascinating life. Appendices include commentary from his two grandchildren and a comprehensive list of his awards and distinctions, which included formal recognition from three American presidents.
A revolutionary in the comics industry, Gould invented both a genre and an icon. The personal story of this pioneer cartoonist is now presented in a biography written by Gould's only child. Beginning with his young life in a three-room house in Pawnee, Oklahoma, this book traces all the steps Gould took to eventually achieve remarkable distinction at the top of his field. The early pages relate his ancestors' part in the Oklahoma land rush, drawing on the unpublished memoir of his father, Gilbert Gould. Chester Gould's story is then augmented by his own personal commentary, taken directly from recorded conversations with his daughter. Throughout these conversations, Gould recollects the evolution of his career, from painting advertisements on barn roofs at age 17 to documenting the violent crime life of Chicago, from which he drew inspiration for his Dick Tracy strip. Discussion of his ambitions, disappointments, popular accomplishments, and family moments comprise a thorough account of Chester Gould's fascinating life. Appendices include commentary from his two grandchildren and a comprehensive list of his awards and distinctions, which included formal recognition from three American presidents.
Reviews / Votes
"engaging"-Mystery Scene; "delightful"-School Library Journal; "useful"-Communication Booknotes Quarterly.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
173 photos, appendices, index
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
445 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7864-7299-4 (9780786472994)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
The late Jean Gould O'Connell was the daughter of Chester Gould. She contributed to her father's Dick Tracy storylines and appeared as a character in the famous comic strip. She helped create the Chester Gould-Dick Tracy Museum in Woodstock, Illinois. She lived in Geneva, Illinois.
Content
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Dick Locher
Preface
Introduction by Garyn G. Roberts
1. Ancestors
2. My Father's Boyhood
3. Off to College
4. Chicago
5. The Birth of Dick Tracy
6. The Farm
7. Dad at Work and at Home
8. More Farm Life
9. Dick Tracy and His Public
10. Exciting Times and Travels
11. The Later Years
12. Honoring Chester Gould's Legacy
13. Afterwords
Appendix A. The Grandchildren Remember
Appendix B. Awards and Honors Received by Chester Gould
Index
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Dick Locher
Preface
Introduction by Garyn G. Roberts
1. Ancestors
2. My Father's Boyhood
3. Off to College
4. Chicago
5. The Birth of Dick Tracy
6. The Farm
7. Dad at Work and at Home
8. More Farm Life
9. Dick Tracy and His Public
10. Exciting Times and Travels
11. The Later Years
12. Honoring Chester Gould's Legacy
13. Afterwords
Appendix A. The Grandchildren Remember
Appendix B. Awards and Honors Received by Chester Gould
Index