Author(s): Michael Leunig

Humour

One of my favourite books of all time is Short Notes on the Long History of Happiness by Michael Leunig, published by Viking Press in a lovely little hardcover edition at $27. As far as I am concerned Mr Leunig can do no wrong but this is such a beautiful tactile volume it would have to be my pick as the best of his many books. I have given it to people on every possible occasion - it has such simple but profound truths that it is suitable for births, deaths, weddings, birthdays or just because you want to do something spontaneous. Unless you are familiar with Michael Luenig's work it is very hard to discribe, but suffice it to say that he is a cartoonist extraorinaire, master of encapsulating in words and pictures universal themes of ordinary life with warmth and empathy. If you have not alreay seen his work you are in for a real treat. Gillian Newman recommends.