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The Peanuts Book: A Visual History of the Iconic Comic Strip
From the backyard to outer space, Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts has been charming the world for more than 70 years.
In this celebration of Schulz and his beloved work, explore rarely seen sketches, influential comic strips, and collectors' artifacts. Pore over evolving artworks of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the gang. Chart the rich history of Peanuts as it grew to become the world's favourite comic, and travel from 1950 to the present day, from California to Japan. Every page of this visual guide is an exhibition to treasure. Discover the enduring and nostalgic charm of Peanuts in this stunning anniversary book.
© 2020 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
In this celebration of Schulz and his beloved work, explore rarely seen sketches, influential comic strips, and collectors' artifacts. Pore over evolving artworks of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the gang. Chart the rich history of Peanuts as it grew to become the world's favourite comic, and travel from 1950 to the present day, from California to Japan. Every page of this visual guide is an exhibition to treasure. Discover the enduring and nostalgic charm of Peanuts in this stunning anniversary book.
© 2020 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
200 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2020
19 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Simon Beecroft
99 books13 followersSimon Beecroft is the New York Times bestselling author of LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary as well as many other Star Wars titles for children, including Star Wars The Clone Wars: Watch Out For Jabba the Hutt, Star Wars: Luke Skywalker’s Amazing Story, and Star Wars: Beware the Dark Side. He has also written books on subjects as diverse as dinosaurs, extreme weather, future technology, Nelson Mandela, Power Rangers, and the Fantastic Four.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 1, 2023
This was such a wonderful book full to the brim of interesting information about the origins of Peanuts and it's creator, Charles M. Schulz. I received this book as a gift a month or so ago, and it had been staring at me since to pick it up.
I had been exposed to the Peanuts series from a young age thanks to my Dad, who owned the entire book collection with added merchandise. Naturally, he passed that down to his eldest knowing of my love for the characters and general obsession with ink on paper.
It's funny, because reading the books as a child is a totally different experience to me as an adult. I mean, I understood most of the humour, but I guess I didn't appreciate it until some more of my life had been lived. I needed to age to understand Schulz at his best.
The book is presented beautifully, with some wonderful visuals to enjoy, including some classic comic strips, some of which I remember favouring as a child. One of my favourites was Schroeder, but not just because he was fanatical about Beethoven, but because after all of that time of Lucy leaning on his piano listening to his playing while looking into his eyes when she doesn't turn up one day, he notices, and it hits him hard that he might just miss this girl...I love it, and it makes me smile.
I love the early feminism involved with the females in the strips. They were all unique and strong in some way, and although it was obvious to all that Lucy had a good voice that she wasn't afraid to use, she also had a soft spot for Charlie Brown and she knew him and how he worked almost as well as Snoopy.
The foreword to this wonderful book really pulled on the heartstrings. For a person that started out scribbling little animations in his notebook at school, and then to go on winning the hearts of people of all ages all over the world is phenomenal. Schulz told people exactly how life was in a simple, humorous but cutting way, and I'm grateful to have his talent in my life.
I had been exposed to the Peanuts series from a young age thanks to my Dad, who owned the entire book collection with added merchandise. Naturally, he passed that down to his eldest knowing of my love for the characters and general obsession with ink on paper.
It's funny, because reading the books as a child is a totally different experience to me as an adult. I mean, I understood most of the humour, but I guess I didn't appreciate it until some more of my life had been lived. I needed to age to understand Schulz at his best.
The book is presented beautifully, with some wonderful visuals to enjoy, including some classic comic strips, some of which I remember favouring as a child. One of my favourites was Schroeder, but not just because he was fanatical about Beethoven, but because after all of that time of Lucy leaning on his piano listening to his playing while looking into his eyes when she doesn't turn up one day, he notices, and it hits him hard that he might just miss this girl...I love it, and it makes me smile.
I love the early feminism involved with the females in the strips. They were all unique and strong in some way, and although it was obvious to all that Lucy had a good voice that she wasn't afraid to use, she also had a soft spot for Charlie Brown and she knew him and how he worked almost as well as Snoopy.
The foreword to this wonderful book really pulled on the heartstrings. For a person that started out scribbling little animations in his notebook at school, and then to go on winning the hearts of people of all ages all over the world is phenomenal. Schulz told people exactly how life was in a simple, humorous but cutting way, and I'm grateful to have his talent in my life.
March 11, 2022
An enjoyable summary of a singularly talented man whose wit and art encompassed the latter half of the 20th Century and beyond. He captured a unique form of Americana, that few if any will be able to match.
December 19, 2023
The Peanuts Book covers the whole history of the iconic comic strip, its world, and its reception. My favorite section was "The Originals," which covers characters since their introductions and the changes made to their characters over time. It's also nice to know that I am not the only person in the world who remembers You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, when it often feels like I am. Long live Linus!
I especially enjoyed the exploration of Peanuts merchandise. Some of it I remembered from my childhood. Some items were truly cursed (Snoopy on all fours in the Charlie Brown shirt wearing a Charlie Brown mask) and plenty were just...odd and funny (Snoopy covered in shamrocks because Ireland?).
Recommended for the Peanuts fan in your life!
I especially enjoyed the exploration of Peanuts merchandise. Some of it I remembered from my childhood. Some items were truly cursed (Snoopy on all fours in the Charlie Brown shirt wearing a Charlie Brown mask) and plenty were just...odd and funny (Snoopy covered in shamrocks because Ireland?).
Recommended for the Peanuts fan in your life!
January 31, 2025
You’re never too old to learn from, or about, Charles Schultz and The Peanuts.
January 10, 2024
I've read everything that I can about Snoopy but I still found many things that I didn't know. There is a lot here so I recommend reading it in stages. Snoopy and the Peanuts gang are my favorite and I enjoyed learning more about them.
December 15, 2021
Although it’s a visual history, there’s quite a lot to read in this book. It’s in the reading that Beecroft’s work becomes a 3 rather than a 4 for me. Most of the time, the text is pitched at an adult audience, but every so often it slips into a voice more appropriate for a much younger reader. I found that inconsistency jarring.
I’ve been to the Charles Schulz museum in Santa Rosa, California and loved it. This book borrowed heavily from that site and generally did a very good job, especially of the timeline of Schulz’s life. When I was there, there was a special exhibit of the many cartoon strips Schulz had made of Woodstock driving a Zamboni on an ice rink. Schulz’s enthusiasm for the word ‘Zamboni’ was contagious; reading through the cartoons was great fun, as was seeing the miniature Zamboni machine, with Woodstock driving, that the company had made for Schulz. It was a bit sad that nothing of this wonderful exhibit was included in The Peanuts Book, especially since it was otherwise so comprehensive.
I’ve been to the Charles Schulz museum in Santa Rosa, California and loved it. This book borrowed heavily from that site and generally did a very good job, especially of the timeline of Schulz’s life. When I was there, there was a special exhibit of the many cartoon strips Schulz had made of Woodstock driving a Zamboni on an ice rink. Schulz’s enthusiasm for the word ‘Zamboni’ was contagious; reading through the cartoons was great fun, as was seeing the miniature Zamboni machine, with Woodstock driving, that the company had made for Schulz. It was a bit sad that nothing of this wonderful exhibit was included in The Peanuts Book, especially since it was otherwise so comprehensive.
December 31, 2023
i’ll convince you to read this book using one quote and one quote only…
“ I think that any humor which is really worthwhile is humor which comments upon some aspect of life."
a GREAT coffee table book. it’s so fun to flip through and read about.
i love the peanuts, it’s so random but i just think it’s so wholesome and also funny and cute.
if i had to deem myself one of the characters, i think i would be sally. miss girl really outdoes herself with the humor of “physciatric advice 5 cents”, and then being Mean. i love her.
listen i’m so close to my goal that i’ve decided to just read a couple short books to finish today and then make a smaller goal next year (: i do not feel bad ab it one bit.
“ I think that any humor which is really worthwhile is humor which comments upon some aspect of life."
a GREAT coffee table book. it’s so fun to flip through and read about.
i love the peanuts, it’s so random but i just think it’s so wholesome and also funny and cute.
if i had to deem myself one of the characters, i think i would be sally. miss girl really outdoes herself with the humor of “physciatric advice 5 cents”, and then being Mean. i love her.
listen i’m so close to my goal that i’ve decided to just read a couple short books to finish today and then make a smaller goal next year (: i do not feel bad ab it one bit.
March 30, 2024
Lots of memories
May 31, 2024
It took a while for me to finish (mostly due to laziness and forgetfulness), but I FINALLY finished The Peanuts Book.
I liked it a lot! Definitely had a loooooot of interesting information, though I'm kinda torn on how satisfying it was. It details a lot about the different storylines and characters of the strip, but at times also feels kinda surface-level in terms of what information is shared. Maybe I wanted more analytical-type stuff? I don't know. And it does touch upon Schulz's personal life and how that influenced some aspects of and storylines for the strip, but it's also pretty brief. I guess 'cause this is more a book about Peanuts rather than Schulz himself. I know there are proper Schulz biographies out there, some of which are already on my TBR. I'll just have to pick them up sometime soon.
And maybe find some other books that touch on the history or critical analysis of the Peanuts strips. 'Cause I believe this book is aimed at kids (despite my library sorting it in adult non-fiction rather than kids', maybe because of its size/length?) so that's probably why I get this introductory/surface-level feel from it. Not that there's anything wrong with that, though. I just kinda wanted more from it.
I will say, I do love all the strips and sketches included in the book. Like, what the book might lack in textual information, it more than makes up for in visuals. I especially loved learning about Snoopy-themed places to visit, like the Schulz's ice rink or the museum in California. And of course, I gotta do a proper deep dive into all the specials, shows, and films made for the franchise. I call myself a big Peanuts fan, but admittedly, I'm really just familiar with some comics and the handful of holiday specials that used to air annually on TV! I really have some work to do before I can truly call myself a proper (hardcore) Peanuts fan! At least I'm getting myself started by exploring the comics in chronological order, as I began doing last year with a digital copy of The Complete Peanuts Vol. 1. (I'm still working my way through that, as I don't read through the book all that often.)
For all that I might have found dissatisfying about this book, again, I really did enjoy reading it. And I'm kinda sad to have to give it back to the library. Maybe I should pick up a copy to have in the house. It might be worth another look somewhere down the line, or make a cute coffee table book (not that I even own a coffee table, LOL).
I liked it a lot! Definitely had a loooooot of interesting information, though I'm kinda torn on how satisfying it was. It details a lot about the different storylines and characters of the strip, but at times also feels kinda surface-level in terms of what information is shared. Maybe I wanted more analytical-type stuff? I don't know. And it does touch upon Schulz's personal life and how that influenced some aspects of and storylines for the strip, but it's also pretty brief. I guess 'cause this is more a book about Peanuts rather than Schulz himself. I know there are proper Schulz biographies out there, some of which are already on my TBR. I'll just have to pick them up sometime soon.
And maybe find some other books that touch on the history or critical analysis of the Peanuts strips. 'Cause I believe this book is aimed at kids (despite my library sorting it in adult non-fiction rather than kids', maybe because of its size/length?) so that's probably why I get this introductory/surface-level feel from it. Not that there's anything wrong with that, though. I just kinda wanted more from it.
I will say, I do love all the strips and sketches included in the book. Like, what the book might lack in textual information, it more than makes up for in visuals. I especially loved learning about Snoopy-themed places to visit, like the Schulz's ice rink or the museum in California. And of course, I gotta do a proper deep dive into all the specials, shows, and films made for the franchise. I call myself a big Peanuts fan, but admittedly, I'm really just familiar with some comics and the handful of holiday specials that used to air annually on TV! I really have some work to do before I can truly call myself a proper (hardcore) Peanuts fan! At least I'm getting myself started by exploring the comics in chronological order, as I began doing last year with a digital copy of The Complete Peanuts Vol. 1. (I'm still working my way through that, as I don't read through the book all that often.)
For all that I might have found dissatisfying about this book, again, I really did enjoy reading it. And I'm kinda sad to have to give it back to the library. Maybe I should pick up a copy to have in the house. It might be worth another look somewhere down the line, or make a cute coffee table book (not that I even own a coffee table, LOL).
Read
March 19, 2022 There are likely very few people in the world who have not seen at least one Peanuts comic strip. The appeal is universal for this classic cartoon, and at one time it was the most read comic strip.
Creator of Peanuts, Charles M. Schulz, never imagined that with the first strip introduced on October 2 1950, that it would become a comic favorite. At its peak, it was read by 255 million people in 21 languages. It was read in 75 countries.
By the time the strip ended in February 2000 because of health issues facing Schulz, there had been 17,897 strips presented. We get to relive much of this in THE PEANUTS BOOK. It truly is a trip down memory lane.
The first work of Schulz appeared in the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not newspaper feature. It featured his dog Spike. It is likely no coincidence that much later in the Peanuts strip, Snoopy’s brother Spike showed up. Schulz enrolled in the home study course from the Federal School of Applied Cartooning in 1940. That course proved his love for drawing would become a life-long passion. This book features earlier works and later ones.
Every single character that ever appeared in the Peanuts strip, is presented. There are classic comic strips such as Lucy pulling back the football before Charlie Brown can kick it, the kite eating tree, summer camp, and Snoopy as a war pilot.
The interesting part of the comic strip is that adults were never seen. Schulz intended them to always be in the background, with children the focal point. To look at this impressive edition is to embrace childhood once again, to revel in the magic of the strip. This book is another reason to see more of the magic.
Creator of Peanuts, Charles M. Schulz, never imagined that with the first strip introduced on October 2 1950, that it would become a comic favorite. At its peak, it was read by 255 million people in 21 languages. It was read in 75 countries.
By the time the strip ended in February 2000 because of health issues facing Schulz, there had been 17,897 strips presented. We get to relive much of this in THE PEANUTS BOOK. It truly is a trip down memory lane.
The first work of Schulz appeared in the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not newspaper feature. It featured his dog Spike. It is likely no coincidence that much later in the Peanuts strip, Snoopy’s brother Spike showed up. Schulz enrolled in the home study course from the Federal School of Applied Cartooning in 1940. That course proved his love for drawing would become a life-long passion. This book features earlier works and later ones.
Every single character that ever appeared in the Peanuts strip, is presented. There are classic comic strips such as Lucy pulling back the football before Charlie Brown can kick it, the kite eating tree, summer camp, and Snoopy as a war pilot.
The interesting part of the comic strip is that adults were never seen. Schulz intended them to always be in the background, with children the focal point. To look at this impressive edition is to embrace childhood once again, to revel in the magic of the strip. This book is another reason to see more of the magic.
March 13, 2021
A light-hearted, heavily illustrated history of the Peanuts comic strip and characters. Having been a fan of Snoopy and the Peanuts gang since my early childhood I found this book enjoyable and visually engaging. It makes me want to re-read several of the comic strip collections for many of my favorite moments and I yearn to possess several of the collectibles shown.
It is a nice overview with some depth of the history of the strip, Charles Schulz, and the characters. I do wish during this period of time I could visit the museum in California.
This book is definitely recommended. Its only drawbacks for me was the length clocking in at a brisk 200 pages and that no strip continuity is reprinted, only single examples.
I will be keeping this book and re-reading or browsing through it in the future.
It is a nice overview with some depth of the history of the strip, Charles Schulz, and the characters. I do wish during this period of time I could visit the museum in California.
This book is definitely recommended. Its only drawbacks for me was the length clocking in at a brisk 200 pages and that no strip continuity is reprinted, only single examples.
I will be keeping this book and re-reading or browsing through it in the future.
December 4, 2021
For a coffee-table book that calls itself a “visual history” there is a lot of information here. I’m not an expert on Peanuts - and it’s been many years since I’ve considered myself a fan - but this relatively slim tome contains a wealth of information about the much-loved comic strip. From details of production (the four-panel format was designed to be laid out horizontally, vertically or in a square) to the more notable pieces of merchandise this covers most elements of the history behind Charlie Brown and his friends.
November 26, 2021
Good peanuts handbook, covering many of the themes, characters and features of the comic strip. It includes a very useful timeline year by year.
I would like it a little more in depth insight about Schultz involvement in other media products and a little more about his circumnstances, but overall, a very nice product.
Good grief!... I mean, good read :D
I would like it a little more in depth insight about Schultz involvement in other media products and a little more about his circumnstances, but overall, a very nice product.
Good grief!... I mean, good read :D
January 24, 2024
This book is a valuable Comic Strip where we can learn about the history of the ever-popular animation "PEANUTS". And Vince Guaraldi's upbeat jazz sets the mood.
Charles M. Schulz's autobiography was also good.
He has loved drawing an illustration since he was a child, and he is truly amazing at creating characters that are loved all over the world.
Charles M. Schulz's autobiography was also good.
He has loved drawing an illustration since he was a child, and he is truly amazing at creating characters that are loved all over the world.
May 26, 2021
Mostly stories I've heard before, but well organized and attractively presented. Bump from 4 stars to 5 by the picture of Christo's "Wrapped Snoopy House" and a historically fascinating childhood photo of Schulz on page 161. Fun book.
November 12, 2022
The world of Peanuts is explained in this book, from the various characters those well known and those barley in the strips, to the various awards and special. For any Peanuts fan from newbie to experienced, there is a lot of information.
January 3, 2023
A perfect large-format book that traces the history of Peanuts through a thorough overview of the creator, characters, process, storylines and themes that make the comic strip great. Fans of Peanuts will love all the stories and details that capture what made the strip so popular.
October 27, 2024
Wow!! What an in-depth history of the Peanuts comic and in-depth details and stories about all the characters, success, and Charles Schulz’ cartoonist endeavors & life. Loved this!!! The added comic strips for each character discussed made it amazing 🥰
June 18, 2025
A very nice and light read through the history of the peanuts and its characters as well as Schulz. Just a fun time and I love the peanuts so I can’t complain. I have a few books that I feel get more in depth but that is just my opinion.
November 9, 2020
A quick canter through the years of Peanuts. Great to look at the early days, but don't expect it too in depth text.
February 11, 2021
A great overview of Schulz and his work. Reminds me that I still have a few volumes of the complete peanuts to read.
February 12, 2021
Great visual history of Charles M. Schulz‘s immortal comic strip featuring Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and Good Ol’ Charlie Brown. Chock-full of great images and art. Highly recommended!
March 24, 2021
A very well put together book.
May 17, 2021
Great history of the strip and characters
May 13, 2022
On of my favorites!!!!!!!!
I love how it has all the characters, even ones I’ve never seen before!
I love how it has all the characters, even ones I’ve never seen before!
December 11, 2023
I love all things Peanuts.
January 5, 2026
This was an amazing book! If you want to learn about peanuts characters and other slightly random related facts then this is the perfect book for you.
June 14, 2024
A great introduction to the history and development of Schulz's world, its origins, development, characters and iconic storylines.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews