Podcast Summary: ALL OF IT with Alison Stewart Episode: Celebrating The New Yorker's Cartoonists
Host: Alison Stewart, WNYC
Release Date: December 19, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart delves into the vibrant world of The New Yorker cartoons, celebrating the magazine's illustrious legacy as it marks its 100th anniversary. The episode spotlights the new book, At Wit's End: Profiling Cartoonists of The New Yorker, which honors the cartoonists who have shaped the publication's unique voice over the decades.

Spotlight on the Book: At Wit's End

Alison Stewart introduces the episode by highlighting The New Yorker's multifaceted content, emphasizing the beloved cartoons that have become a hallmark of the magazine. She describes the new book, At Wit's End, which serves as an elegantly designed showcase of cartoonists like Harry Bliss, Roz Chast, and Liza Donnell. The book pays tribute to both current contributors and those who have passed, such as Michael Crawford and Ed Fisher, each leaving an indelible mark on the magazine’s cultural tapestry.

[00:25] Alison Stewart: "It's called the book an elegantly designed showcase. The authors join me now in studio to discuss."

Guest Introduction

Alison welcomes two key guests to the discussion:

• Michael Maslin: A seasoned cartoonist and contributor to The New Yorker.
• Alan McQueenie: A world-renowned photographer tasked with capturing the essence of these cartoonists through his lens.

[01:26] Michael Maslin: "Thank you."

The Role of Cartoons in Society

Michael Maslin discusses the enduring significance of cartoons, asserting that their role remains as crucial today as it has been for a century. He emphasizes the fundamental objective of cartoons: to observe, interpret, and depict societal nuances in a manner that resonates or amuses readers.

[02:14] Michael Maslin: "I think it's as important today as it has been for 100 years at the magazine."

He notes the evolution in the number of cartoonists, shifting from a small, intimate group to a diverse and expansive community, reflecting the magazine's growth and the changing dynamics of cultural expression.

[02:56] Michael Maslin: "The actual number of cartoonists that we have has changed in a huge way."

Alan McQueenie’s Photographic Journey

Alan McQueenie shares his extensive experience photographing The New Yorker cartoonists, starting with an assignment in 1978 for Esquire magazine. His journey took a pivotal turn in 2012 when he began photographing cartoonists for a special issue, eventually leading to the creation of At Wit's End.

[03:23] Alan McQueenie: "An assignment from another magazine, actually Esquire magazine... I began approaching The New Yorker to run a cartoonist every week as the hidden asset of the magazine."

Alan discusses the unique challenges of capturing the personalities of cartoonists through photography, striving to reflect their humor and individuality in each portrait.

[05:15] Alan McQueenie: "Everyone is totally different, obviously, and everyone has a different way of thinking. And it's that sliver of difference that I hope to find in taking a portrait."

Listener Engagement and Favorite Cartoons

Throughout the episode, Alison invites listeners to share their favorite New Yorker cartoons and discusses their personal connections to them. Several callers share beloved cartoons that have left lasting impressions or resonate with personal experiences.

Notable Listener Calls:

1. Richard from Armonk:

   • Favorite Cartoon: Two snails observing a scotch tape dispenser.
   • [06:00] Listener: "I don't care if she's a tape dispenser. I Love her."
   • Michael Maslin: "He's talking about Sam Gross, I believe."

2. Nick from Manhasset:

   • Favorite Cartoon: A man speaking on the phone with the caption, "how about never? Does never work for you?"
   • [10:23] Listener: "It just speaks... resonates with me at this time in our history."

   The cartoonist Bob Mankoff is identified as the creator, with Alan confirming:

   [11:00] Alan McQueenie: "Bob Mankoff, the former cartoon editor of The New Yorker, was probably his signal cartoon."

3. Charlotte from New Jersey:

   • Favorite Cartoon: George Booth’s depiction of manic women and befuddled husbands.
   • [12:16] Listener: "He was a gardener, so it spoke to him."

4. Marcia from Manhattan:

   • Favorite Cartoon: A Justice on the Supreme Court flipping a daisy between "constitutional" and "unconstitutional."
   • [16:26] Listener: "That stayed with me."

5. Fatima from Manhattan:

   • Shares her inspiration from The New Yorker cartoons in writing her book on racism, highlighting the power of visual storytelling.

   [17:00] Fatima: "So much more can be conveyed through the visual representation than just the text on a page."

In-Depth Discussion on Specific Cartoonists

Roz Chast

Roz Chast is lauded for her distinctive style and unique perspective that set her apart from other cartoonists.

[13:16] Michael Maslin: "She was, you know, we all know her. Roz is... she gives us her world, and it's funny as heck."

Alan shares a behind-the-scenes look at her creative space, including her collection of religious icons and a parrot, which inspired one of his photographs.

[14:09] Alan McQueenie: "I photographed her in her studio first... she has a marvelous collection of art and also had a parrot."

Ed Koren

The episode pays tribute to Ed Koren, a beloved cartoonist who passed away in 2023 after a remarkable six-decade career.

[15:14] Michael Maslin: "Ed was the pioneer who really changed what had been to the modern times... No one had ever had these big, giant, furry beasts before."

Michael reflects on Ed's innovative contributions and his ability to capture cultural moments, highlighting Ed's legacy within the magazine.

The Creative Process and Challenges

Alan discusses the challenges of portraying cartoonists, aiming to capture not just their appearance but the essence of their humor and creativity. The collaboration between Alan and Michael emphasized a dynamic and authentic representation.

[07:41] Alan McQueenie: "Catching a spirit of the moment, really, in a photograph."

Michael elaborates on the thoughtful process behind the essays in the book, ensuring each cartoonist’s unique story and approach are highlighted without adhering to a rigid format.

[08:47] Michael Maslin: "I approached each one of them as a brand new thing, as if the others didn't exist."

Insights on the Evolution of The New Yorker

Michael touches on the rapid changes within The New Yorker, contrasting its formerly slow, "glacial" evolution with its current dynamic and fast-paced environment. This shift necessitated a careful selection of cartoonists who could sustain their creative contributions in this new landscape.

[06:25] Alison Stewart: "Let's talk to Nick from Manhasset... It changes more quickly than it used to change."

Audience Reflections and Personal Connections

Listeners share heartfelt connections to specific cartoons that mirror personal experiences or family memories. These stories underscore the profound impact The New Yorker cartoons have on individual lives, blending humor with relatable scenarios.

Concluding Thoughts

In wrapping up, Alison Stewart emphasizes the significance of the cartoonists’ contributions to The New Yorker and their role in reflecting and shaping societal narratives. Both Michael and Alan express their appreciation for the cartoonists' ability to capture the "underside" of life, providing daily reflections that inspire and provoke thought.

[20:53] Alan McQueenie: "It's the flip side of life and we don't expect it. And it's only that that wakes us up in the morning when we open the magazine."

[21:25] Michael Maslin: "I'm still thinking about underside of, but didn't ask you to define that, but I think that's good."

Final Remarks

Alison Stewart thanks her guests, Michael Maslin and Alan McQueenie, for their invaluable insights and contributions to celebrating The New Yorker’s cherished cartoonists through the book At Wit's End.

[22:17] Alison Stewart: "The name of the book is At Wit's End: Profiling Cartoonists of The New Yorker. It's really quite beautiful. My guests have been Alan McQueenie and Michael Maslin. Thank you for coming in."

Key Takeaways:

• The New Yorker's cartoons continue to play a vital role in cultural commentary and societal reflection.
• The book At Wit's End offers a comprehensive and beautifully designed tribute to the cartoonists who have shaped The New Yorker over the past century.
• Personal stories from listeners illustrate the deep, lasting impact of these cartoons on individuals' lives.
• The collaborative efforts of cartoonists, photographers, and editors highlight the evolving landscape of cultural expression within the magazine.

For more insights and stories about culture and its creators, tune into future episodes of ALL OF IT on WNYC.