"Erotic Comics: A Graphic History" examines the way this artform developed from the bawdy cartoons of 17th century England into a modern publishing phenomenon that spans the globe. Volume 1 uncovers the rise of saucy postcards and the provocative comic books known as Tijuana Bibles, and reveals the unexpected implications of social upheavals such as the two World Wars on erotic comic art. The rise of men's magazines in the 1950s, and the cartoons they contained, helped push the medium to the fore, as did Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.Later titles such as "Penthouse" and "Hustler" actively supported the artform. The underground comix movement of the 1960s reflected the sexual liberation of the era. Deliberately overstepping boundaries and breaking taboos, the work of cartoonists like Robert Crumb and Howard Cruse expanded new-found freedoms and courted controversy. With exquisite art from around the world and fascinating interviews with the artists, editors, and publishers, "Erotic Comics: A Graphic History" is perfect for fans of adult comics, art history, and erotic illustrations.