Since childhood, I've been a fan of New Ulm native author and illustrator Wanda Gág, as I noted in 2018 post New Ulm Journal praises extremist woman artist.
While she's best known for Million of Cats, the ground-breaking children's book that's been in print since it was first published in 1928, her Wikipedia entry notes:
In 1927 her article These Modern Women: A Hotbed of Feminists was published in The Nation, drawing the attention of Alfred Stieglitz and prompting the publisher and designer Egmont Arens to write: "The way you solved that problem (her relationship with men) seems to me to be the most illuminating part of your career. You have done what all the other ‘modern women’ are still talking about."[29][30] Gág illustrated covers of the leftist magazines The New Masses and The Liberator.[31][32]
Now Millions of Cats is in the public domain, Clay Schuldt reports in the Journal in Public domain sets ‘Millions of Cats’ free:
The most high-profile published work to enter the public domain in 2024 is “Steamboat Willie,” which features the first appearance of Mickey Mouse.
However, in New Ulm, the focus is not on the mouse, but rather “Millions of Cats.” . . .
As of midnight on Jan. 1, 2024, the copyright on thousands of published works expired. All works published in 1928 became part of the public domain, allowing anyone to publish or use the material without violating copyright law.
Wanda Gág’s Newberry Award-winning book was published 95 years ago in 1928, meaning the book and illustration within are free to be used by anyone. No publishing company can claim sole ownership of the work.
Wanda Gág’s childhood home in New Ulm is maintained as an interpretive center. Schaefer, who also serves on the Wanda Gág House Association board, confirmed that many people visit the house to learn about Gág. “Millions of Cats” remains the top seller in the association’s gift shop.
“I am very interested to see what people will do with it,” New Ulm Youth Service Librarian Kathryn Tatnall said. She anticipated “Millions of Cats” would become even more widely available now that the copyright expired. Specifically, Tatnall believed Gág’s illustrations for the book would see greater use. Her cat drawings could be used as stand-alone prints.
“Millions of Cats” has never been out of print since it was first published in 1928. In fact, it is the oldest American picture book still in print. Locally, the book is in high demand.
Multiple copies of the book are available to rent at the New Ulm Public Library. Tatnall said nine times out of ten, the book is already checked out.
With the copyright gone, the book could become even more well-known. Tatnall believed without the copyright it would be easier for others to cite and reference the book. This could help the general public better understand the book’s importance.
“Millions of Cats” was the first picture book to feature pictures and words on the same page.
Tatnall said there were picture books before “Millions of Cats” but each page would have either words or pictures. Gág would spread drawings across two pages, sometimes crossing the center. This style would be copied by nearly all picture books published and is still used today.
Tatnall said the importance of what Gág did with “Millions of Cats” cannot be understated as it helps with childhood development. Tatnall explained that different parts of the brain interpret words and pictures. By combining the two it helps build connections. That’s why she recommends picture books to kids and adults. . . .
Bluestem hopes that artists hoping to revive Gág's radical legacy find ways to re-purpose the charming art, especially that scene in which explores the performative politics of jealous felines:
And they began to quarrel. They bit and scratched and clawed each other and made such a great noise that the very old man and the very old woman ran into the house as fast as they could. They did not like such quarrelling.
Why am I reminded of Minnesota Seventh Congressional District Republican politics on every level?
Image: A page from Wanda Gág’s Newberry Award-winning book, Millions of Cats.
- Alexandria Echo Press picks up on MN07 candidate Steve Boyd's January 6 event
- Odd choice given Fischbach's January 6 choices: MN07 primary challenger Steve Boyd hosting Epoch Times "real" January 6 film and town hal
- MN07 Republican challenger Steve Boyd doesn't think of himself as extreme. Why would anyone?
- Nostalgia; or, New Republic article about a right-wing Christian sect takes us to our back pages
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