Bear No. 1 by Posy Simmonds – 1976 Australian Cartoon Book

A wonderfully quirky piece of 1970s cartoon nostalgia, Bear No. 1 is an early collection of the mischievous Bear cartoons created by acclaimed British cartoonist and graphic novelist Posy Simmonds.

Published in Australia in 1976 by Beaumont Book Company, Sydney, the book collects the humorous adventures of Bear and his friends, with the cover promising “Over 350 bear facts on an outward bounder… the bear minimum for maximum merriment!”

Details

Creator: Posy Simmonds
Title: Bear No. 1
Published: 1976
Publisher: Beaumont Book Company, Sydney, NSW
Printed by: Maxwell Printing Co Pty Ltd, Sydney
Distributor: Gordon & Gotch (A’sia) Ltd
Copyright: Posy Simmonds 1975–76
Format: Softcover
Original Price: $1.50
Origin: Australian edition

The introductory page provides a fascinating contemporary profile of Posy Simmonds, noting her studies in French literature and fine art in Paris, graphic design studies in London and her work producing the daily Bear panel for the London Sun.

Simmonds would subsequently become one of Britain’s most celebrated cartoonists and graphic novelists, making this an appealing early example of her published work.

Condition

This is a genuine vintage item dating from 1976 and shows age and handling consistent with its approximately 50 years.

The softcover has general surface marks, light discolouration and edge wear. The internal pages show noticeable age toning, particularly towards the margins. Overall, it remains a charming and presentable vintage copy.

Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and provide the best indication of condition.

Why We Love It

It’s the unmistakably 1970s combination of bold orange graphics, irreverent humour and wonderfully eccentric cartoon artwork that makes this one stand out.

Beyond being a fun vintage cartoon book, it is also an interesting early Posy Simmonds collectible from well before the graphic novels for which she would later become internationally recognised.

A great addition to a collection of vintage cartoons, British humour, Australian-published ephemera or Posy Simmonds material.

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Available from Vintage HQ Heidelberg – Level 1, 101 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, Victoria.

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