MetaMaus is a supplementary volume that delves into the behind-the-scenes of the groundbreaking 'Maus' graphic novels by Art Spiegelman. The book provides valuable insight into the creative process, the evolution of the masterpiece, and the personal and collective memories explored in 'Maus'. Through interviews, source materials, and illustrations, MetaMaus offers a deep exploration of Spiegelman's artistic influences, narrative crafting, and the profound story of his father's Holocaust survival.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and conversational, enhanced by thoughtful reflections and multiple perspectives.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around an in-depth exploration of the creation process behind a seminal graphic novel, addressing key historical and personal themes.

Setting:

The setting intertwines personal family history with Holocaust experiences and contemporary reflections.

Pacing:

The pacing is somewhat slow, enriched by detailed content and extensive illustrations that invite deeper engagement.

Genres:

Topics:

father son relationship

memory and trauma

comics history

interview format

Notes:

Reading Maus in 1986 was life-changing for many viewers.

Maus was one of the first graphic novels to deal with the Holocaust in a humanizing way.

MetaMaus includes a long conversation between Art Spiegelman and Hillary Chute about Maus and its creation.

The book answers important questions about Spiegelman's work, including why he chose mice to represent Jews.

Maus took 13 years to create, and much of it is based on interviews with Spiegelman's father.

The original interview with Vladek Spiegelman is included in full in MetaMaus.

Spiegelman's wife, Francoise Mouly, played a significant role in the creation of Maus.

MetaMaus is packed with illustrations, sketches, and photos from Spiegelman's life and work.

The book comes with a DVD containing The Complete Maus and various related audio and visual documents.

Spiegelman was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Maus, making it the first graphic novel to receive this honor.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/content warnings include discussions of the Holocaust, trauma, mental health issues, and themes surrounding violence and memory.

From The Publisher:

'Spiegelman has turned the exuberant fantasy of comics inside out by giving us the most incredible fantasy in comics' history: something that actually occurred.

MAUSis terrifying not for its brutality, but for its tenderness and guilt' New Yorker

MAUS is widely renowned as one of the greatest pieces of art and literature ever written about the Holocaust. It is adored by readers and studied in colleges and universities all over the world.

But what led Art Spiegelman to tell his father's story in the first place? Why did he choose to depict the Jews as mice? How could a comic book confront the terror and brutality of the worst atrocity of the twentieth century?

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the book's first publication, MetaMAUS, prepared by the author, is a vital companion to the classic text and includes never-before-seen sketches, rough and alternate drafts, family and reference photos, notebook and diary entries and the transcript of his interviews with his father Vladek as well as a long interview with Art, in which he discusses the book's extraordinary history and origins.

The book includes a brand new DVD packed with extra images, video and commentary.

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MetaMaus

Art Spiegelman

Book 3 in the series:Maus