Originally published in hardcover in 2003,The Complete Far Sidewas aNew York Timesbestseller. Now its back as a paperback set with a newly designed slipcase that will delight Far Side fans.

Revered by its fans as the funniest, most original, most What the … ?-inspiring cartoon ever,The Far Side debuted in January 1980 and enjoyed an illustrious 14 years on the worlds comics pages until Gary Larsons retirement in 1994.The Complete Far Sidecelebrates Larsons twisted, irreverent genius in this ultimateFar Sidebook.

A masterpiece of comic brilliance,The Complete Far Sidecontains every Far Side cartoon ever syndicated–over 4,000 if you must know–presented in (more or less) chronological order by year of publication, with more than 1,100 that had never before appeared in a book. Also included are additionalFar Sidecartoons Larson created after his retirement: 13 that appeared in the lastFar Sidebook,Last Chapter and Worse, and six cartoons that periodically ran as a special feature in theNew York TimesScience Times section asThe Far Sideof Science. Creator Gary Larson offers a rare glimpse into the mind ofThe Far Side in quirky and thoughtful introductions to each of the 14 chapters. Complaint letters, fan letters, and queries from puzzled readers appear alongside some of the more provocative or elusive panels. Actor, author, and comedian Steve Martin offers his sagacious thoughts in a foreword, and Larsons former editor describes what it was like to be the guy who could explain everyFar Sidecartoon.

During its 14-year run,The Far Side was syndicated internationally to over 1,900 daily newspapers. It spawned 23 books and has been translated into 17 different languages.