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And the Pursuit of Happiness Hardcover – October 14, 2010

by Maira Kalman (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 97 ratings
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Kalman finds evidence of democracy at work all around us. And the cast of characters we meet along the way is rousing good company, featuring visits from Benjamin Franklin, Eleanor Roosevelt, and many others. And the Pursuit of Happiness is a remarkable tribute to our history and a powerful reminder of the potential our future holds, from a true national treasure.
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  1. Print length
    480 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Penguin Press
  4. Publication date
    October 14, 2010
  5. Dimensions
    6.25 x 1.25 x 9.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1594202672
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1594202674
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

With her trademark style, wit, sensitivity, and spontaneity, Maira Kalman guides a whirlwind tour of American democracy.

And the Pursuit of Happiness is beloved artist and author Maira Kalman's yearlong investigation of democracy and how it works. Energized and inspired by the 2008 elections, on inauguration day Kalman traveled to Washington, D.C., launching a national tour that would take her from a town hall meeting in Newfane, Vermont, to the inner chambers of the Supreme Court.

As we follow Kalman's wholly idiosyncratic journey, we fall in love with Lincoln alongside her as she imagines making a home for herself in the center of his magisterial memorial; ponder Alexis de Tocqueville's America; witness the inner workings of a Bronx middle-school student council; take a high-speed lesson in great American women in the National Portrait Gallery; and consider the cost of war to the brave American service families of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The observations she makes as she travels charm and inform, and-as we have come to expect with Kalman-the route is always one of fascinating indirection.

Kalman finds evidence of democracy at work all around us. And the cast of characters we meet along the way is rousing good company, featuring visits from Benjamin Franklin, Eleanor Roosevelt, and many others. And the Pursuit of Happiness is a remarkable tribute to our history and a powerful reminder of the potential our future holds, from a true national treasure.

A Look Inside And the Pursuit of Happiness
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From Booklist

*Starred Review* First published as an illustrated, 12-part blog in the New York Times, artist-author Kalman’s wonderfully idiosyncratic meditation on democracy is now available in a single volume. Despite its original episodic publication, the book coheres beautifully in terms of both artistic unity and the careful evolution of its overarching theme. Each chapter—beginning with the January inauguration of Barack Obama, an event that was the catalyst for the book—represents a month of Kalman’s yearlong quest, which included visits to both coasts. Thus, the month of February is devoted to her loving celebration of Abraham Lincoln; March to “the essence of democracy, the town meeting”; and so on to December, which concerns George Washington and, finally, a tender and loving evocation of happiness itself. Kalman’s art and its wonderful interaction with her hand-lettered text is every bit as idiosyncratic as her approach to her subject, and the result is an achievement that evokes her widely praised picture books for children. Sprinkled among her art—as always, evocative of Matisse—are photographs, whose realism offers a nice counterpoint to her more stylized drawings. Whether you think of this book as a graphic novel, a picture book, or an album, it is sure to leave you feeling happy—about democracy and humanity. --Michael Cart

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Press (October 14, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1594202672
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1594202674
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.35 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 97 ratings

About the author

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Maira Kalman

Maira Kalman

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Maira Kalman is an artist, illustrator, writer, and designer. She was born in Tel Aviv and moved to New York City with her family at the age of four. She now lives in Manhattan. Kalman has written/illustrated over 30 books for adults and children. She has been a frequent contributor to The New York Times and The New Yorker. Kalman has created textiles for Isaac Mizrahi and Kate Spade and sets for Mark Morris. Other collaborators include David Byrne, Nico Muhly, Alex Kalman, Michael Pollan, John Heginbotham and Gertrude Stein. Kalman's product design appears under M&Co, the legendary design studio created by her late husband Tibor Kalman. Kalman has won many awards and given numerous talks, including several TED talks. Her art has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Her book agent is Charlotte Sheedy. Her fine art is represented by Mary Ryan Gallery. Portrait of MK by Kimisa H. Learn more about Maira Kalman at www.MairaKalman.com. Instagram: @mairakalman

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
97 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Eric Selby
5.0 out of 5 stars Should Be Required Studying in All U. S. History Classes
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2010
Verified Purchase
Tears formed when I finished reading page 105 because as a youth I sat in those boring town meetings up in Derby, Vermont, wishing I hadn't been told by my father that I must attend, that it was my civic duty to learn about how democracy really works. Now, today, when it seems that my vote really doesn't amount to anything, I appreciate so much that, indeed, buying a new backhoe for the town might require some discussion before the ayes have it whereas there is no need to discuss the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant. Indeed the ayes have it for that and for this amazing book.
Then on pages 106-107 is yet another remarkable Maira Kalman illustration, this one of that New England town meeting as people gather to eat: "We eat macaroni cheese. Corn bread. Coffee cake. Brownies. The works. Sitting together. Democrats and Republicans. Atheists and believers. Can this system work? I am filled with options..."
Oh, if only I could be as hopeful as this author-illustrator is. But for the moments I am in the book, I am indeed brought back to the possibilities that exist for this country if only...
And you, like me, will find moments when you laugh such as this family law: "Do good deeds for strangers, but beware of relatives."
We get to meet Ruth Bader Ginsburg (fortunately not Thomas, Scalia, Roberts, Alito). The sitting portrait of her says it all for me. We need more women--intelligent ones, please!--in all layers of government. She went to law school to fight off forces of injustice, i.e., McCarthyism.
Ah, and then my favorite first lady. Eleanor! There she is, Mrs. Roosevelt on page 143. And I ask why we have yet to elect an intelligent, humane woman president.
Every aspect of history is covered but not chronologically although the book is divided into the twelve months. May is "At Ease," war.
I cannot do justice to this book because it is so unique, so fresh, so lovely. The story is wonderful, a first person account. And, oh, my, the amazing illustrations and photographs.
This should be required reading/studying in all U. S. history classes.
11 people found this helpful
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tim herbst
5.0 out of 5 stars book in excellent condition
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2024
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very happy with book condition
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Kathryn Emerson
5.0 out of 5 stars EVERYTHING SHE DOES IS GOLDEN
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2023
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I have been a lover and a collector of all things Maira Kalman for a while now; her kids' books are lovely but I prefer her books for grown-ups: positive, funny, matter of fact and relatable. If you don't get it, you don't get it..but for those of us who do, she's given us the special gift of seeing the beauty and joy in so many things we probably take for granted.
One person found this helpful
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Rikki O
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2012
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This is the third copy of this book I've purchased. The first was for me, the second two have been gifts, and I'm sure I'll purchase more copies as gifts. Maira Kalman has the most interesting view of the world and it's fun to see it through her eyes. The illustrations alone are worth the purchase, but the sweet story of her journey intermingled with a history lesson make this a book to treasure.
2 people found this helpful
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Internezzo
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful, so delightful
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2022
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I bought the PB but I'm now getting the HB so I can better savor each page. Enthralling. Every page a delightful discovery. The only thing better than reading/viewing Maira Kalman's work would be...I dunno...*being* Maira Kalman! 😆
One person found this helpful
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Loribee
5.0 out of 5 stars fabulous
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2010
Verified Purchase
I am an avid Maira Kalman fan -- her words, her art, her children's books. While waiting for the release of this volume, I took an unexpected trip to San Francisco and stumbled upon an exhibit of Kalman's work at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Nothing could compare to seeing the original works, and having this book as a keepsake upon my return home. Her wit and wisdom is a sheer joy; her art inspirational!
6 people found this helpful
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Lyric seeker
5.0 out of 5 stars Vigilant Vendor
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2022
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My beautiful book arrived today. Great note from vendor. And to vendor: I'll let you know. Penelope
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Elaine M. Wiant
4.0 out of 5 stars Great gift book
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2010
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I bought this book for my "hard to buy for" sister-in-law. It combines, history, food and lots of pictures. Great gift -- and you can be fairly sure that the recipient doesn't already have it.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

nina
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
Love it! Great purchase: love the wittiness of her drawings.
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Marion
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2012
Verified Purchase
I just love Maira Kalmans illustrations, sense of humour and the way she sees things and tells stories. Very inspiring and interesting!
One person found this helpful
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susan
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2014
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Excellent. arrived fast and well packaged. Love this book!
One person found this helpful
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