The "Land & Water" edition of Raemaekers' cartoons, volume 1

This volume assembles the sharp, satirical cartoons of Dutch artist Louis Raemaekers, created during the tumult of the First World War. His drawings, originally published in the Amsterdam Telegraaf, expose the stark realities of the conflict— from harrowing battlefield scenes to the absurdities of propaganda— using bold lines and stark contrast to strike a lasting emotional chord. Beyond their immediate impact, the cartoons serve as a visual diary of public sentiment, capturing the anxieties, hopes, and moral questions that rippled through Europe as the war unfolded.

Readers will encounter a range of subjects, from the devastation of civilian populations and the myth of the “German tiger” to poignant portrayals of nurses, refugees, and political leaders. Each plate is presented in a format that allows easy zooming, letting the fine details of Raemaekers’ ink work and his biting captions emerge clearly on modern screens. The collection invites both history enthusiasts and newcomers to reflect on how art can challenge power and keep the memory of wartime atrocities alive for future generations.