Experience twenty-five years of the furry phenomenon known as Garfield with this fun, in-depth, and lavishly illustrated book. Jim Davis's grandfather, James A. Garfield Davis, was a big, cantankerous, outspoken man. Garfield is a big, cantankerous, outspoken cat. Coincidence? Of course not. The cartoon affectionately modeled on his grandfather has propelled creator Jim Davis-and Garfield-into the realm of comic superstardom. In this book, you'll get a unique look back at the humble beginnings and enormous success of America's favorite feline.

In Dog Years I'd Be Dead takes a comprehensive look at everything Garfield- the comics, the television shows, the zillions of products (who on the planet hasn't seen the grinning plush doll suction-cupped to a car window?), and, of course, the fans. You'll get the inside scoop about the pioneering comic-strip books that set the standard for the industry with a shape now called the "Garfield format." You'll venture into the studio where the voice talent recorded TV shows, and hear about the antics of special guest stars like Jonathan Winters and Buddy Hackett. Loaded with never-before-seen archival gems from Jim Davis's personal collection and tribute cartoons from legends like Beetle Bailey's Mort Walker, Blondie's Dean Young, and The Family Circus's Bil Keane, this is a book to treasure.