Recommendations for Graphic Nonfiction Books

The Atlantic has an interesting new article compiling “10 Masterpieces of Graphic Nonfiction.” The list includes a variety of diverse subjects, from Beatniks to DNA and genetics to the Dalai Lama, even an illustrated version of the classic Elements of Style. Though these books are likely to appeal to comic book fans, they are sure to be enjoyed by anyone hoping to learn more about these fascinating topics through a more visual and artistic medium.

One of the books from the list, The Beats, was edited by Paul Buhle, author of FDR and the New Deal For Beginners. He teamed up again with one of the authors, the late Harvey Pekar, to coedit a new book called Yiddishkeit: Jewish Vernacular and the New Land, due to be released this September 1.  The Jewish Book Council Blog just named it the Book Cover of the Week. The book is a comics anthology that explores the spread of Yiddish across different cultures through illustrations, original stories, and even a play.