In his most recent collection of cartoons, Sempe turns his attention to the trappings of modern life, from mobile phones to designer water. He also takes a fresh look at some of his favourite topics and archetypes, such as struggling artists, aloof psychiatrists and unhappy couples. Whether hes poking fun at the urbane patrons of fashionable restaurants or the inhabitants of sleepy hamlets, Sempe treats all his subjects with equal amounts of insight and affection.

Most famous in the English-speaking world for his instantly recognizable New Yorker covers, Jean-Jacques Sempe has delighted readers in France and beyond with his witty drawings and keen eye for the finer points of the human condition for over 40 years. Now, his sharply observed and beautifully drawn cartoons are available in English for the first time. The pithy captions were translated from the original French by Anthea Bell, who also translated the Asterix comics into English.