Satire Appraisal

A MAD LOOK AT TV

This item is a vintage paperback book titled "A MAD LOOK AT TV", written by Dick De Bartolo and illustrated by Angelo Torres. The cover art features the iconic Mad Magazine mascot, Alfred E. Neuman, with his characteristic gap-toothed grin and red hair. He is depicted holding a hammer, having seemingly just smashed the screen of a retro-style television set, from which smoke is emanating. The TV itself is brown with a green bottom section, featuring various knobs and what appears to be a speaker grille. The book's cover suggests a comedic or satirical take on television, consistent with Mad Magazine's style. The physical condition indicates significant wear from age and handling. There are visible creases, scuffs, and abrasions on the cover, particularly along the edges and spine, suggesting that the book has been read multiple times. The corners are softened and show signs of bending and minor losses. The spine, though not fully visible, appears to be creased and possibly slightly torn at the top or bottom edges, as is typical for older paperbacks. The colors on the cover are still relatively vibrant but may be slightly faded, as expected for a vintage item. The 'W' logo for Warner Paperback Library is visible in the upper left corner, indicating the publisher. The overall appearance points to a mid-to-late 20th-century publication, likely from the 1960s or 1970s, based on the art style and television design.