For Immediate Release
Contact:
Merrill Miller, 202-238-9088 ext. 105, merrillmiller@americanhumanist.org
(Washington, DC, Aug. 23, 2016)—Humanist Press, the publishing arm of the American Humanist Association, released The Cartoon History of Humanism Vol. 1: Antiquity to Enlightenment, a comic romp through the history of humanist philosophy by Dale DeBakcsy. In addition to cartoons from TheHumanist.com’s popular series, DeBakcsy’s book also includes new bonus cartoons that comically and informatively introduce the reader to the great thinkers, writers and philosophers from humanity’s history.
About the book, Amy Davis Roth, contributor of Skepchick.org, said, “The Cartoon History of Humanism is an educational and fulfilling read that not only appeals to those in search of easy to grasp historical knowledge- but those in search of art and humor. What a wonderful combination!”
The Cartoon History of Humanism follows the journey of Dave, an everyman wandering through time and space. Through Dave’s irreverent antics, DeBakcsy weaves the compelling history of brave individuals who defied the religious authorities of their day to advance rationality and freethought. Dave’s adventures are sprinkled with witty turns of phrase and interesting facts that humanize these illustrious thinkers, making readers realize that some of the most famed philosophers came from humble beginnings and were just as prone to mistakes as the rest of us. Many of the most well-known thinkers grace the pages of this book, from ancient Greek Epicurus (or “Johnny Orgy,” to Dave) to Leonardo da Vinci, described as “a man spending every piece of himself trying to learn everything in the universe.”
Even more intriguing are Dave’s interactions with the individuals who are not as well-known in the canon of Western philosophy, especially the women, who actually existed and had ideas before the nineteenth century, though to read most histories you wouldn’t know it. The Cartoon History of Humanism introduces readers to Grazida Lizier, the peasant girl who schooled the Inquisition, and to Heloise d’Argenteuil, a woman sent to a nunnery against her will for advocating free love. The book also features Isabella d’Este, the brilliant diplomat who “left a successful example of cooperation all too little followed in the subsequent European centuries.”
With its humorous comics and engaging style, Cartoon History is not a stuffy philosophy textbook but a delightful and educational adventure through the history of humanist philosophy. The book is now available from HumanistPress.com in print for $24.99.
Dale DeBakcsy is also the author and illustrator of MadArtLab.com’s Women in Science series, the Great Lives series for Free Inquiry magazine, and his self-published collection of essays, Godless Nerdistry. He is also a regular contributor to Philosophy Now, American Atheist Magazine and Skeptical Inquirer.
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Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming philosophy of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.
Humanist Press is the publishing house of the American Humanist Association, providing material for the humanist/freethought/atheist market since 1995.