The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne, visually interpreted by Martin Rowson
Limited edition (1 of 500), gilt-blocked cloth, head and tail bound

Tristram Shandy is one of English literature’s most curious, complex and comic novels, perfectly suited to the distinctive, anarchic style of the celebrated cartoonist and illustrator Martin Rowson. Here he travels with his faithful companion Pete through the tortuous paths of Sterne’s infinitely digressive world, interpreting the great novel in a new way.

Rowson’s visual interpretation offers a perfect counterpoint to Sterne’s eccentric masterpiece, providing a modern viewpoint of the novel and bringing in deconstruction, a film version of Tristram Shandy by Oliver Stone, a vomiting whale, a ship full of critics, Martin Amis, D.H. Lawrence and a lot of noses.

‘Extraordinary – a magnificent tribute to its original.’ Lachlan Mackinnon, The Observer

‘As critical commentary and scholarly play, this rude and splendid comic book will delight true Shandeans.’ Kirkus Reviews

‘This graphic novel fully lives up to the wild goose chase the original is. As often is the case with pictures, they manage to tell pages of ramblings in one or two frames which is why the reproductions are astoundingly complete.’ Goodreads review

‘A fantastic book full of wit and mirth.’ Customer review

‘An excellent book. If you are a fan of Don Quixote then you will be of this … will keep you laughing all the way through.’ Customer review

Graphic novelist Martin Rowson on how he adapted Sterne’s unadaptable masterpiece – read an interview in Slate here

MARTIN ROWSON has been a freelance cartoonist since leaving university in 1982. His work appears regularly in The Guardian, Independent on Sunday, The Observer, Daily Mirror and Sunday Tribune. His previous books include Scenes from the Lives of the Great Socialists, Lower Than Vermin: An Anatomy of Thatcher’s Britain and the acclaimed cartoon version of The Wasteland. He has illustrated Imperial Exits and a children’s book, The Nodland Express. He is married with two children and lives in South London.

LAURENCE STERNE was an Irish-born English novelist and an Anglican clergyman. He is best known for his novels The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman and A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy; but he also published many sermons, wrote memoirs, and was involved in local politics. Sterne died in London after years of fighting consumption (tuberculosis).