Picturing the Game: An Illustrated Story of Hockey

Hockey has a unique connection to editorial cartooning and sports illustration, with talented artists like Bruce MacKinnon, Aislin, Serge Chapleau, Susan Dewar, Brian Gable, and many others bringing the game to life in their own unique way. The earliest drawings come from anonymous early house artists, who evolved into the cartooning of Arthur Racey and Lou Skuce. Later, Franklin Arbuckle, Duncan Macpherson, and Len Norris animated the games advance through meaningful allegory, humorous irreverence, and an underlying cultural bearing. Don Weekes showcases the gifted graphic journalists who have paved the way for a journalistic showmanship that embodies a Canadian acerbic spirit, making hockey Canada's national game.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2023
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

Hockey has a fascinating relationship with editorial cartooning and sports illustration, dating back to the game's origins. While numerous writers and photographers have documented the game's gameplay, it is the cartoonists who offer an unparalleled, unvarnished perspective. Bruce MacKinnon, Aislin, Serge Chapleau, Susan Dewar, Brian Gable, and many other talented artists have brought hockey to life through their captivating illustrations. Their work not only entertains but also sheds light on the inner workings of the game, revealing the truth and perhaps even offering wisdom to those who already suspect the foolishness of those in charge.

The earliest drawings collected in this book originate from anonymous early house artists who captured ancient plays and their early audiences. These artists' work evolved into the editorial and sports cartoons of Arthur Racey and Lou Skuce, who thrived during a time when newspapers held a virtual monopoly on news dissemination and the printed word was considered absolute. It is no surprise that the daily newspapers became the medium that made hockey Canada's national game.

Later, artists such as Franklin Arbuckle, Duncan Macpherson, and Len Norris took the game to new heights through meaningful allegory, humorous irreverence, and a cultural undertone that gave each panel its unique power and influence. Don Weekes highlights the gifted graphic journalists throughout hockey's history who have mastered the art of satire, making their targets appear perfectly foolish. Their ingenuity and perceptiveness paved the way for a journalistic style that embodied a truly Canadian acerbic spirit, a groundbreaking achievement that has greatly benefited the sport.

In conclusion, hockey's connection to editorial cartooning and sports illustration is a rich and enduring one. Through the talented artists and journalists who have depicted the game, fans have been transported into a world of caricature, where the truth is humorously revealed and wisdom is imparted. The early drawings and the evolution of cartooning have played a significant role in shaping hockey's identity as Canada's national game, and the contributions of graphic journalists have further elevated the sport's reputation.

Dimension: 279 x 229 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228018735