Mixed Messages

In his most recent collection of cartoons, Sempé turns his attention to the trappings of modern life, from mobile phones to designer water. He also takes a fresh look at some of his favourite topics and archetypes, such as struggling artists, aloof psychiatrists and unhappy couples. Whether he's poking fun at the urbane patrons of fashionable restaurants or the inhabitants of sleepy hamlets, Sempé treats all his subjects with equal amounts of insight and affection.

Most famous in the English-speaking world for his instantly recognizable New Yorker covers, Jean-Jacques Sempé has delighted readers in France and beyond with his witty drawings and keen eye for the finer points of the human condition for over 40 years. Now, his sharply observed and beautifully drawn cartoons are available in English for the first time. The pithy captions were translated from the original French by Anthea Bell, who also translated the Asterix comics into English.

Jean-Jacques Sempé (b.1932) is one of the world's most successful illustrators and cartoonists. He is the illustrator of the classic children's-book character, Nicholas, and author of a collection of some thirty albums of his cartoons and graphic novels, all published or to be published by Phaidon. His world-renowned illustrations and cartoons are featured on the cover of the New Yorker and in Paris Match.