The Best of Laxman: The Common Man Watches Cricket

by R.K. Laxman

From financial crises to the woes of householders, from political instability to rampant corruption, Laxman's cartoons capture the entire gamut of contemporary Indian experience. Hilarious and thought-provoking at the same time, this is a treasure house of humour from one of the most striking voices commenting on Indian socio-political life today. This is a revised edition of the original published in 1998.

Genres: Comics

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

'''Rasipuram Krishnaswamy Iyer Laxman''' (born October 23 1924, Mysore, India) is an Indian cartoonist, illustrator and humorist. He is widely regarded as India's greatest-ever cartoonist and is best known for his creation ''The Common Man".

R. K. Laxman was awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. He has won many awards for his cartoons, including Asia's top journalism award, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, in 1984.

Reviews

[Vinay Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title aside, the book is much more than just about cricket. It shows the contrast in politics. It shows the state of India might be so low that even the neediest person might think twice before accepting something, or consuming what they find. It shows the politician’s mindset where he’s prepared to leave a public gathering for a private meeting, leaving the people who elect him half way. It shows the other side of the picture. One of my favorites from the book shows the beggar asking the rich person, “The price of everything else has gone up, how come I still get the same old 50 paisa coin?” and another that shows how we punish the innocent by misinterpreting what actually is to be something else.

Want a dose of humor, with cartoons that make you smile and yet think as well? This book does that. Other than a couple of typos in the captions, I enjoyed this book thoroughly.

Review at my blog: http://wp.me/p2J8yh-2ip

[Sandeep · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Best of Laxman - The common man watches cricket - R K Laxman.
Rating 4/5

There is not much to write as a review for a book which comprises of 200 pages of cartoons and each page having one liners highlighting sarcasm, apathy, satire, humor.

The cricket part is covered under few pages. Rest of the pages deal with cartoons and humor on politics, hunger, poverty, budget, bribery, campaigns and other issues which plague development.

Much of the social issues are highlighted in a very funny way via cartoons.

It took me less than 3 hours to read the complete 200 pages book as it was very simple and engaging. I really enjoyed this book and wished to read this again.

If you are looking for something light and simple to read and have a good laugh at this book definitely fits in the bill.

RK Laxman brings out the best, be it cartoon or be it humor.

Cheers,

[Nitin Nigam]

Excellent compilation of the cartoons. Found some timeless gems which fit perfectly even today.

[Apratim Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of cartoons drawn by R.K.Laxman,the legendary Indian cartoonist.Few cartoons are about cricket but most lampoon politicians and political parties.Many cartoons in the collection are still relevant today and show the mirror to today's government.This goes to show the foresight and vision of Laxman.
It is a good collection and must be 'read' if you are an Indian.Five out of five...

[Kanchan Mandanekar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep this book hidden in the most inaccessible shelf of your home (so noone can ever take it away!) as this book is a treasure house of events and the common man perpetually bewildered, yet exceedingly dignified and graceful. Looking forward to more in the series. Big thanks to my book club friend @VrundaSharma who gifted this to me, really grateful for this to be a part of my personal book collection! 😇 ♥️

[Madhuvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading it when I went with a friend to the clinic. Found this book hiding in the cupboard there. Couldn't put it down so ended up going back there only to continue reading it again.
Witty. Captivating. And most importantly, raw. Honest.

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a fan and can clearly proclaim i enjoyed the sarcastic approach too

[Ravi · Rating 4 out of 5]

really funny and honest . very few words and many things to say.

[Ankit Garg · Rating 4 out of 5]

great amusement

[Kritika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always loved his sketches and this book was a gift from my sister. I enjoy his work.. very witty and I am a huge fan

[Rainy Goodwill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!