RK Laxman Back with a Punch

About the Book RK Laxman was one of India's pre-eminent cartoonists for many decades. His creation, the 'Common Man', became an indispensable part of the morning newspaper for Indian readers. Laxman's insight into Indian life, his gentle humour and caricatures of the political leaders of a newly independent country, had a profound impact in India and abroad.

In this book EP Unny describes RK Laxman's life, the influences that led him to become a much-loved cartoonist, his work ethic and the nuances of his craft. It is a tribute from a leading cartoonist to a master of his art.

Written in Unny's succinct style, this monograph offers a concise chronicle of the master cartoonist's journey, as Laxman's pen captured modern Indian history for readers in India and across the world.

About the Author EP Unny grew up in Palakkad, Kerala. His first cartoon appeared in Shankar's Weekly in 1972. He has worked with The Hindu, Sunday Mail, The Economic Times and The Indian Express, where he is Chief Political Cartoonist. His work has featured at the Asian Cartoonists: toonists Conference in Tokyo and at the International Cartoon Festival in Carquefou, France. In 2009, Unny won the Lifetime Achievement Award of The Indian Institute of Cartoonists.

Introduction To begin wide-eyed at the very beginning was grace. R.K. Laxman started newspaper cartooning just in time to record the birth of nation in The baptismal cartoon in The Free Press Journal PM Nehru as a photographer coaxing distressed boy sitting amidst studio props to smile-a task country's cartoonists eventually took over.

If the timing was perfect, the placement was no Oddly enough, it was not the capital, Delhi that gave Laxman his big breaks, but Mumbai. He warmed here at The Free Press Journal and went into ultra marathon at The Times of India.

Cartoons have history of growing with cities Mumbai was a city waiting for its cartoonist. Laxman stepped in to find willing mass of newspaper readers battling everyday issues.

**Contents and Sample Pages**