Far Out isn't Far Enough: Life in the Back of Beyond

Description

Tiring of the hectic pace of seventies New York, acclaimed graphic designer Tomi Ungerer and his wife Yvonne hit the road in search of a new, simpler life on an isolated peninsula in Nova Scotia, Canada

Tomi Ungerer, born in Strasbourg in 1931, landed in New York in 1956 with $60 in his pocket and with a suitcase full of drawings. Overnight he became a star as a caricaturist, illustrator and children's book author and published more than 80 books in ten years. As a graphic artist he created advertising campaigns for Willy Brandt and The New York Times. In 1998, Tomi Ungerer was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award for illustration and has become an internationally renowned artist. He now divides his time between Strasbourg and Ireland.

'a vivid and unflinching impression of rural existence and a testament to a brave attempt at self-sufficiency.' The Independent, 8 May 2011 'Ungerer depicts and beautifully illustrates this wild, untamed corner of Canada as mad and savage. - a narrative so full of riches and quirkiness I was instantly hooked. The tenderness with which he writes about the characters that circled their life, the quality of his anecdotal wit and observations, his love of the absurd, the range of the couple's triumphs and trials and the vivid, poetic descriptions of the Nova Scotian landscape serve to make this an instant classic.' Jon Fordham, Sublime, June 2011 'The enterprising way in which [Ungerer] writes about the people and places, animals and adventures, issues and incidents gives insights into ways of life not dissimilar from those of the Scottish islands. The book appeared first in 1983, but almost 30 years on it has a freshness, capturing essentials about a way of life that has largely disappeared.' Scottish Islands Explorer, July 2011 'It's the good life, all right - but thankfully all mention of sowing and yields is quickly skipped over in preference for a study of the bonkers locals, the real stars of the show. Sketched affectionately in poetic, no-nonsense prose - a harsh and fascinating life, all told without a trace of judgement, without any forced humour - yet it is often hilarious. A beautiful book, too [ - ] Ungerer's illustrations vividly complement his words and bring the ducks and dogs to life - not to mention sexy Yvonne, who cavorts through the pages like a Woodstock-era Felicity Kendal. Highly recommended.' Rory Miller, Real Travel, July 2011 'First published in 1984, this classic tale of adventure from renowned French illustrator and author, Tomi Ungerer, has just been re-published to coincide with his 80th birthday. And what a treasure it is! - a humorous, stark and revealing collection of diary entries - at times darkly comical - the book is riveting in its intensity and detail. If you have read it before, this wonderful new version will rekindle enthusiasm for it. If you haven't read it then you are in for a classic treat.' Steve Watkins, Outdoors Photography, August 2011 'a diary with running commentary, whose prose - so precise in its delineations of landscape, weather, the daily toils of farm-life, the lost souls of the adjacent communities - is perfectly enhanced by the accompanying illustrations.' Brian Alderson, Books for Keeps, September 2011