When I was a pre-teen, I tried to read the Bible, thinking that a daily reading would keep the evil spirits I sensed all around me at bay (hey, I was twelve). I only got as far as Deuteronomy before deciding the spirits were easier to handle than all those endless descriptions of laws and lineages. It took Mr Crumb to bring me back to the beginning, with his fabulously addictive illustrations of Genesis (the text of which is provided in its entirety). I'd forgotten that all those extraordinarily old stories - some of them can be traced back to Sumerian versions of around 2000 BCE - were finally compiled in the form we now know them, in 600 BCE, by the Israelite priesthood. Compelling and even disturbing as they often are, they are also remarkably contradictory and repetitive, reflecting as they do - according to Crumb - a struggle between matriarchal and patriarchal forms of society which took place not long after the dawn of human civilisation. In short, this is a wonderful way to get back to the original text, which is, after all, the longest text in continuous religious use (by three different world religions) in the western hemisphere. == A work of considerable ingenuity ==It took Crumb over four years to complete the 201 pages of The Book of Genesis. It begs curiosity why the publisher Norton chose to give Crumb the assignment of adapting his talents to retelling and illustrating Genesis, the first book of the Jewish Talmud (and the Christian Old Testament). This is an artist who for half a century has become renowned for his visual satiric portrayal of the contemporary life of weirdos, potheads, misfits, wastrels and humanized animals—obsessive sexual proclivities included. Fans enjoyed his outrageous exaggerations poking fun at every human foible and self-indulgence. His fans could count on getting rewarded with the unexpected.Bluntness and crassness has been de rigueur for Crumb. Sentimentality and nuance were not easily detectable in the storylines. Artistically his males were recognized for their lankiness, large kneecaps, sharp elbows, owlish eyes and slouching postures. His females were rendered with formidable calves, posteriors and jowls; their erect poking nipples became Crumb trademarks. Was the publisher counting on Crumb’s somewhat disreputable notoriety to kick-start demand for the book? It should be noted that Complete Crumb Works, published by Fantagraphics Books, now number seventeen volumes; there are also several other compilations in print, like The Crumb Compendium, Mr Natural and Sweeter Side of R Crumb. These have proven to be popular and many have been reprinted two or three times. Norton likely chose Crumb for a number of reasons which all added up to a profitable proposition.Being a fan and collector of R Crumb (and his wife Aline Kominsky Crumb) I bought this book primarily to add it to my collection. Having also read various translations of Genesis numerous times I was very curious how Crumb would present this work of significant cultural and religious value. I was not disappointed. The man proves that he is a genius with the pen, a capable scripter (he used three sources to collaborate the text) and serious researcher of historical relevance. The detail is remarkable. His human figures are Crumb-like but much better proportioned than in his cartooning. His ability to draw distinguishable differences between characters (especially in the “begats”) shows patience and skill but I would have liked to see some happy faces—it is like these men were posing for passport photos, being prohibited from smiling. As far as the text goes, it is qualitatively a mixed bag, but close enough to be respectful to the original Hebrew for most Jews and Christians. I was glad he did not use a contemporary, colloquial, translation which would have ill suited the historical raiment and settings.The work has received mixed reviews. Fact is if a hundred people start to read and look at the book they already have opinions and prejudices about Genesis that will flavour their judgement of Crumb’s output. Are they theologians? Then they will nit pick about how it was scripted and how creation, the flood and sinful acts are depicted. Are they atheists? Then they may complain about the work being dragged out, boring and repetitive. Are they historians? Then they may find fault with costumes, architecture and mythology. Are they comic book aficionados? Then they will present how Crumb failed to create dramatic effect and visual excitement. The book is Genesis as interpreted by Crumb. It is not intended to be neutral, unbiased or inoffensive. For many it will be too literal but if Crumb had introduced major improvisations he would have been berated by those who regard Genesis as the true Word of God. This book will probably not please—and may shock—many church-going Christians but for others I think it may help to provoke some serious thinking about how Genesis and the Old Testament have contributed to mold Western culture and civilization for three thousand years. The stories in Genesis deserve to be considered both in their religious and non-religious contexts and also in their literal and figurative interpretations.
What do You think about Gênesis Por Robert Crumb (2009)?
Did not complete, but did enjoy. This format is the only way I could read Genesis.
—Maximilian
Amazing book. Bought and signed by R. Crumb at an Austin special event in '09
—Linda
This is an epic in terms of graphic novels! It's quite a masterpiece!
—DIA
