The Essential Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz: The Greatest Comic Strip of All Time

by Mark Evanier, Jean Schulz (Foreword), Patrick McDonnell (Introduction)

Winner of the 2026 Eisner Award for Best Publication Design, honoring the book's outstanding design by Shawn Dahl with Chip Kidd.This spectacular deluxe edition celebrates the 75th anniversary of Peanuts and the life, art, and legacy of Charles M. Schulz, and comes packaged with unique bonus materials.Extras 8 ready-to-frame prints, 5 vinyl window decals, 8 postcards, an iron-on patch, a full-color comic book, and more!Beautifully designed in a deluxe gift-ready slipcase, this one-of-a-kind 336-page full-color hardcover collects more than 700 images, including Schulz’s most iconic comic strips and related ephemera. Eisner Award Best Publication Design.Award-winning author Mark Evanier provides insightful and entertaining Peanuts cultural and historical context. An introduction from Patrick McDonnell, a foreword by Jean Schulz, and appreciations and remembrances from key figures in the world of Peanuts make this book a unique milestone in Peanuts publishing.Seventy-five years since the first Peanuts strip made its debut on October 2, 1950, the beloved comic and its iconic characters remain a touchstone for generations around the world.From cultural milestones such as NASA’s Apollo 10 lunar and command modules being named after Charlie Brown and Snoopy to the classic holiday specials that continue to draw millions of viewers, Peanuts has a lasting influence that few works of art or literature can claim. The power of these iconic characters is also evident from the popularity of modern-day animated movies and iPhone shorts, and even the Gen Z phenomenon of so-called “Snoopy Girls.”This official book celebration of the 75th anniversary of Peanuts is produced in collaboration with Peanuts Worldwide and the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California.“Not many cartoons live into the next generation, and that probably is the best definition of art, isn’t it? Does it speak to succeeding generations? Real art, real music, real literature, speaks to succeeding generations.” –Charles M. SchulzThe book includes original contributions by Robb Armstrong (Franklin), Derrick Bang (Vince Guaraldi and A Charlie Brown Christmas), Rob Boutilier (The Snoopy Show), Paige Braddock (Schulz’s pen line), Alberto Brambilla (Peanuts in Italy), Benjamin L. Clark (Peanuts paperbacks), Alexis E. Fajardo (selecting the essential Peanuts), Ben Folds (the sound of Peanuts), Sarah Gillespie (editing Schulz), Chip Kidd (design of Peanuts), Amy Lago (editing Schulz), Mike Massimino (Snoopy and Apollo 10), Akio Matsunaga (Peanuts in Japan), Jeff Morrow (scoring Peanuts), Hilary B. Price (Peppermint Patty and Marcie), and Shuntarō Tanikawa (Poet laureate and translator of Peanuts in Japan).

Genres: Comics, Comic Strips, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Humor

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2025

About the author

Mark Stephen Evanier is an American comic book and television writer, particularly known for his humor work.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like there have been quite a few Peanuts anniversary books over the years: one for the 25th anniversary, the 40th, the 50th, probably the 60th, and now this one for the 75th. I didn’t think I would buy it, but I put it on a wishlist along with other things to help give friends/family some ideas. And so now I have it, and I’m glad. It really is a good selection, with commemtary from the author, from Schulz, and from others. And I found myself repeatedly amazed at how great the selections were, astounding in their genius. I’ve loved Peanuts since I was a kid growing up in the 60s. This renewed my appreciation. I don’t know of any other strip with the depth of humanity that can be found in Peanuts.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Peanuts and was thrilled to receive this book. There was so much information about Sparky and his life, how he started in comics, how Peanuts was made and changed over the years, how the characters came to be who they are, and so much more. There were hundreds of comics throughout, displaying the most gorgeous artwork, with so many characters, really showing how Peanuts came to be. I smiled, I laughed, I felt sad and happy, and I felt seen. Snoopy and the gang are my absolute favourites❤️

[Kelly Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book, But Be Warned

I’m a Kindle reader mostly, and thought I could read this on the ColorScribe. I could, but the pages are like photographs. You can’t just adjust the font, you have to select and zoom with your fingers. I’d recommend either reading it in book format or the Kindle app on a tablet or laptop.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

75 iconic strips with commentary and supporting strips. An excellent read. In "Peanuts" the human condition is explored with heart and understanding.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any Peanuts fan. A good mix of cartoons and dialogue.

[shanella]

i cry every time i read the final strip peanuts is so important to me

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMOOOO O SNOOOOPPPPPYYY COM A MINHA VIDA!!!!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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