I have discovered a quick and interesting way of upgrading my knowledge. I have started reading Graphic guides . My library was already overflowing with graphic novels and now come the graphic guides. Graphic novels are very popular with book thieves. My friend in Pune is losing graphic books regularly from her library collection. I have realised that graphic works can be very addictive for any age group of readers. My initial curiosity is turning into active scouting for the right content in the graphic form. The Introducing series of graphic guides published in the UK by Icon books Ltd can be sourced in India through Penguin Books. I am grateful to Penguin India for pricing the books sensibly .The books are in the range of 200 odd pages ,easy to hold and carry and the content is delightful . Capturing highlights and salient points of the topic the language is compact . I was able to complete one book while I was travelling on a very hectic schedule. And I am not a very fast reader . The illustrations are wonderful to look at and enhances your engagement with the theme.
Take for example the book “ Introducing : Wittgenstein : a graphic guide”. The book opens with an illustration of the palatial house of the Wittgensteins and details about his birth and parents. I found it easy to put the character into context. If this can happen to an adult reader like me I am sure this will definitely have a much stronger connect with young minds .One page captures an important phase at Trinity college with few sentences spoken by G.E Moore, Russell and Wittgenstein and three portraits of these men.” Wittgenstein always looks so puzzled…” .” Do you think I am an idiot” .“Why do you ask” . “Because if I am I’ll become an astronaut. But if I am not I will become a philosopher’
The format , I feel is excellent for new age readers who lack the time and mental training to delve into complex theories and detailed discussions on topics of wider interest. After the childhood obsession with various comic characters like phantom , tarzan , batul ,hada-bhoda I am seriously rediscovering the pleasures of reading graphic books. I also feel that it is a nice way of relaxing by admiring the sketches and possibly gaining some new knowledge as a spinoff.
Further reading
http://www.introducingbooks.com/book/group/Graphic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_novel
