Stuff You Missed in History Class: Wanda Gág, Part 2

Released April 23, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the second installment of their two-part series on Wanda Gág, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve deeper into the life and legacy of the pioneering artist and author. Building upon the foundation laid in part one—where they explored Gág's formative years and early struggles—this episode continues to uncover the significant milestones, artistic achievements, personal challenges, and enduring impact of Wanda Gág.

Publication and Success of Millions of Cats

The episode begins with a discussion of Wanda Gág's breakthrough work, Millions of Cats. Tracy V. Wilson explains, “*Millions of Cats was hugely popular right out of the gate. It had sold 10,000 copies by January of 1929 and another 5,000 by the end of February, and it just kept going” (07:54). This children's book was revolutionary not only for its captivating narrative but also for its innovative integration of text and illustrations. Unlike the conventional layout of the time—with text and images on facing pages—Gág's illustrations flowed seamlessly with the story, enhancing the reading experience.

Holly Fry adds, “Millions of Cats is, despite those weird circumstances of the denouement, incredibly charming with its repeated refrain of cats here, cats there, cats and kittens everywhere” (09:03). The story of an elderly couple overwhelmed by their desire for cats resonated with audiences, showcasing Gág's unique ability to blend whimsical storytelling with subtle life lessons.

Artistic Style and Influences

The hosts highlight Gág's distinctive artistic style, noted for its dynamic lines and almost cartoonish vibrancy. Maria Tremarchi remarks, “One of the hallmarks of Gog's work is this sense that the lines used to create the images are moving or vibrating slightly” (20:51), using the example of her lithograph Grandma's Parlor. This playful yet sophisticated approach set her work apart in both the children's literature and fine art realms.

Gág's upbringing in a Bohemian household infused her art with European folklore and old-world customs. Tracy V. Wilson cites Gág's own words from her 1940 account: “I was born in this country, but often feel as though I had spent my early years in Europe” (09:03). This cultural backdrop informed the dark yet charming tones of her stories, reminiscent of traditional fairy tales with their ghoulish twists.

Personal Life and Relationships

Wanda Gág's personal life, particularly her relationship with Earl Humphries, is explored in detail. Tracy V. Wilson recounts, “During the 1920s, Gog and Earl Humphries spent a lot of time at a rented place out in the New Jersey country they called Tumble Timbers” (20:51). Earl's support allowed Gág to focus on her art, handling the labor-intensive aspects of their rural lifestyle.

However, the relationship was not without its complexities. Holly Fry notes, “There was tension in this relationship. Earl cheated on Wanda at the end of the 1920s, and Wanda reciprocated by also cheating” (21:47). This led to an unconventional arrangement they referred to as being "on vacation" from their relationship, allowing both to explore other romantic interests while maintaining their partnership.

Later Works and Artistic Evolution

Post-Millions of Cats, Gág continued to produce influential works such as The ABC Bunny and Gone is Gone. Tracy V. Wilson discusses The ABC Bunny: “The ABC Bunny isn't solely an ABC book. It has a narrative structure with each letter representing the next event in the bunny's story” (25:05). This book further cemented Gág's reputation for creating engaging and thoughtfully crafted children's literature.

Holly Fry elaborates on Gág's introspective evolution, stating, “Gog's diaries show a new maturity where she's very reflective about her work and less prone to the sweeping generalizations about artistic gifts that she made in her younger years” (31:32). This period marked a shift towards more personal and contemplative themes in her art and writing.

Challenges and Final Years

The podcast poignantly covers Gág's declining health and untimely death. Holly Fry shares, “In February of 1945, she was admitted to Doctors Hospital for exploratory surgery. And the resulting news was very bad. Wanda had lung cancer and had months to live” (37:52). Despite her severe illness, Gág remained dedicated to her craft, continuing to work on projects like Gone is Gone even as her health deteriorated.

Tracy V. Wilson reflects on the difficult decision to withhold her diagnosis from Gág, noting, “This is how it was often handled at the time” (36:05). Ultimately, Wanda Gág passed away on June 27, 1945, leaving behind a rich legacy of artistic and literary contributions.

Interpretations and Legacy

The hosts explore various interpretations of Gág's work, suggesting that her stories often mirrored her larger worldview. Richard W. Cox is quoted: “the cat battle in Millions of Cats may reflect her revulsion against the destruction caused by World War I” (15:09). Gág's emphasis on peasant characters and honest workers highlights her respect for integrity amidst societal pressures.

Moreover, Gág's portrayal of strong, dignified female characters serves as an extension of her own resilience and independent spirit. Tracy V. Wilson summarizes, “Females in her books assert their opinions and make decisions. They suffer the same sins of pride, vanity, and greed as men” (32:21). This balanced representation contributed to her books' enduring relevance and appeal.

Conclusion

Wanda Gág's story is one of passion, resilience, and artistic brilliance. Through Stuff You Missed in History Class: Wanda Gág, Part 2, Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of her life's work and lasting impact. From groundbreaking children's literature to her personal struggles and triumphs, Gág's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences nearly a century after her passing.

Notable Quotes:

• "There is no such thing as closure." – Tracy V. Wilson (01:45)
• "Millions of Cats is, despite those weird circumstances of the denouement, incredibly charming..." – Holly Fry (09:03)
• "I was born in this country, but often feel as though I had spent my early years in Europe." – Wanda Gág, referenced by Tracy V. Wilson (09:03)
• "These are the scars that are left behind. These are the voices you haven't heard." – Tracy V. Wilson (28:54)
• "But love is the biggest risk they'll ever take." – Character in The Setup podcast promotion (13:10)

Additional Resources

For those interested in exploring Wanda Gág's work further, the New Ulm House in Minnesota—designed by her father, Anton Gág—is open to visitors from June to October and by appointment. More information can be found on their website.

Note: For a comprehensive understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into both parts of the Wanda Gág series.