Drawn from the archives of the Charles M. Schulz Museum, an in-depth look at Peanuts with a “wealth of original art” (The New York Times). Charles M. Schulz believed that the key to cartooning was to take out the extraneous details and leave in only what’s necessary. For fifty years, from October 2, 1950, to February 13, 2000, Schulz wrote and illustrated Peanuts, the single most popular and influential comic strip in the world. In all, 17,897 strips were published, making it “arguably the longest story ever told by one human being,” according to Robert Thompson, professor of popular culture at Syracuse University. For Only What’s Necessary: Charles M. Schulz and the Art of Peanuts, renowned designer Chip Kidd was granted unprecedented access to the extraordinary archives of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California. Reproducing the best of the Peanuts newspaper strip, all shot from the original art by award-winning photographer Geoff Spear, Only What’s Necessary also features exclusive, rare, and unpublished original art and developmental work—much of which has never been seen before. “Glorious...equal parts museum and monument, a masterwork of curatorial rigor and an affectionate homage.”—Brain Pickings

A biography of the artist whose "Li'l Folks" turned into the most successful comic strip of all time, "Peanuts," including how his characters reflected events in his own life.

A collection of interviews that reflect on the life and work of cartoonist Charles M. Schulz.

Charles M. Schulz: The Life and Art of the Creator of Peanuts in 100 Objects explores the man behind one of America’s most iconic comic strips and its beloved cast of characters—Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang. Through 100 preserved and cataloged artifacts, delve into Charles M. Schulz’s Minnesota youth in 1920s America, Schulz’s WWII Army service, and Schulz’s path to fame through his post-war comic series Li’l Folks and five decades of Peanuts. From Schulz’s first published drawing featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to his 2001 Congressional Gold Medal, the 100 artifacts bring the details of the singular artist to life. Along with provocative, witty, and wise quotes, fan-favorite strips, and more, this book is a must-have for any Peanuts fan. 100 OBJECTS: Carefully curated artifacts from Charles M. Schulz’s home and studio—including medals and awards, family photos, rare comic art, and more—tell the story of this beloved artist’s life, career, and the times in which he lived. EXPLORE AMERICANA: From his youth in 1920’s Minnesota through the turbulent 60s and beyond, Charles Schulz’s life spans the rich history of the American Century. CLASSIC STRIPS: Includes timeless Peanuts comic strips featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts Gang. FASCINATING FACTS: Fans of Peanuts will find never-before-seen items that give them an intimate look at the creation of the acclaimed comic strip series. OFFICIAL ACCOUNT: Created in collaboration with the Charles M. Schulz estate, the book provides an exclusive look into the life of one of America’s most revered artists.

In 100 iconic objects and artifacts, Charles M. Schulz explores and explains the life and times of the creator of Peanuts, America’s most beloved comic strip series. Charles M. Schulz: The Life and Art of the Creator of Peanuts in 100 Objects explores the man behind one of America’s most iconic comic strips and its beloved cast of characters—Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts Gang. Through 100 preserved and cataloged artifacts, delve into Charles M. Schulz’s Minnesota youth in 1920s America, Schulz’s WWII Army service, and Schulz’s path to fame through his post-war comic series Li’l Folks and five decades of Peanuts. From Schulz’s first published drawing featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to his 2001 Congressional Gold Medal, the 100 artifacts bring the details of the singular artist to life. Along with provocative, witty, and wise quotes, fan-favorite strips, and more, this book is a must-have for any Peanuts fan. 100 OBJECTS: Carefully curated artifacts from Charles M. Schulz’s home and studio—including medals and awards, family photos, rare comic art, and more—tell the story of this beloved artist’s life, career, and the times in which he lived. EXPLORE AMERICANA: From his youth in 1920’s Minnesota through the turbulent 60s and beyond, Charles Schulz’s life spans the rich history of the American Century. CLASSIC STRIPS: Includes timeless Peanuts comic strips featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts Gang. FASCINATING FACTS: Fans of Peanuts will find never-before-seen items that give them an intimate look at the creation of the acclaimed comic strip series. OFFICIAL ACCOUNT: Created in collaboration with the Charles M. Schulz estate, the book provides an exclusive look into the life of one of America’s most revered artists.

This book presents the life of Charles M. Schulz.