'The Second World War in Cartoons'
A new collection that tells the unfolding story of the war in a compelling narrative
Recently published in Britain and available for pre-order in America and elsewhere is ‘The Second World War in Cartoons’. Dr Tim Benson runs the Political Cartoon Gallery in London, and this authoritative approach shows how ‘the first draft of history’ - as presented in newspapers - was depicted.
This is a unique collection of 900 cartoons tracing the history of the war, creating an unparalleled narrative of the worldwide conflict. These cartoons have never been seen together before. Each presents a succinct and perceptive analysis of the world situation at the time. At the time, they often produced a wry smile - and cartoons did much to sustain morale in the darkest days.
Now brought together from newspaper sources from around the world and presented here in chronological order, they represent a comprehensive history of the war. The editor provides enough context to make them fully comprehensible to the modern reader. However, the skill and intelligence of the individual cartoonists shine through, each offering a telling insight into how the war was perceived at the time.
The following examples come from September 1940, illustrating both the diversity of material and how, brought together as they are here, they become a coherent narrative:
© Tim Benson 2025, ‘The Second World War in Cartoons’. Reproduced courtesy of Pen & Sword Publishers Ltd.
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