And while we're talking about learning more about the world around us, here's a book of historical reportage in comics that helps us come to understand how things got to be the way they are.  The ever-fascinating David B. takes his readers on an unexpected voyage through the waters of history in this informative, educational and timely volume co-piloted by Jean-Pierre Filiu.  As readers of B.'s breakthrough masterpiece, Epileptic already know, he is quite adept at depicting scenes of warfare, and, what's more, in doing so in a way that reveals otherwise hidden forces at work below the surface of the battlefield.  David B. masterfully employs the language of comics to delve into the subconscious and the mythical archetypes that dwell there, and hint at how these guide historical events that are putatively governed by rational self interest.  Great art, fascinating story, insights by the bucketful. It looks like a must-read to us...

The inimitable David B. continues his partnership with Middle East scholar, Jean-Pierre Fililu.  Employing his amazing ability to visually render concepts in ways that illuminate the intellect and point the way towards    comprehension and understanding make this another truly educational read that will be sure to provide American readers with fresh perspectives on their own history.

 

The third and final – at least for now – volume in this engaging and informative look at US and Middle East relations from a French perspective.  David B.'s masterful comics work illuminates concepts and relationships and enables readers to quickly grasp aspects of this relationship and the mechanics of the respective societies that otherwise might remain elusive.