Political cartoonist and former central Vermonter Jeff Danziger returns to Barre’s Old Labor Hall, 46 Granite St., on Wednesday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about his new book, “The Conscience of a Cartoonist,” and his participation in the French documentary film, “Cartoonists – Foot Soldiers of Democracy.” There will also be a showing of the film.
Well-known locally for his work in the Times Argus and Rutland Herald, Danziger has gone from teaching English at U-32 High School to being a nationally syndicated cartoonist. His biting editorial cartoons continue to run in the Times Argus and Herald, as does his weekly strip “The Teeds: Tales of Agriculture for the Young and Old.”
Renowned novelist John le Carre has said that Danziger “is everything a great political cartoonist should be in this over-reverential world: savage, merciless, accurate, ribald and blessed with a lovely eye and hand.” When political pundit Bernard Goldberg included him on his list of “100 People Who Are Screwing Up America,” Danziger responded by calling the listing “an honor.”
Danziger will introduce “Cartoonists.” The film, an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival, weaves together portraits of 12 cartoonists who defend democracy, often at personal peril, with smiles on their faces and pencils as their only weapons. Danziger is the only American cartoonist in the film. After the showing, Danziger will answer questions about the documentary and his new book.
“The Conscience of a Cartoonist” is a coffee-table collection of Danziger’s post-9/11 editorial cartoons with extensive, educational commentary. Fellow cartoonist Jules Feiffer has described Danziger’s work as “smart, witty (often hilarious) comic nightmares.” “Conscience” is Danziger’s tenth book of cartoons. He has also published a children’s book and a novel about the Vietnam War.
The evening is sponsored by the Barre Historical Society and Times Argus. Tickets are $10. They may be purchased at the door or online at www.oldlaborhall.com. For more information or to make a reservation, email info@oldlaborhall.com or call 802-479-5600.
