The Prince of Wales and other famous Americans

A vibrant snapshot of 1920s high society and culture, this book gathers a series of striking caricatures drawn by a young Mexican artist who arrived in New York with little more than a portfolio and a willingness to sketch anyone who crossed his path. The opening preface recounts his first encounter with the city’s literary and theatrical elite, revealing how his uncanny ability to capture a person’s character in a single line quickly made him a sought‑after chronicler of the famous.

The collection spans royalty, writers, actors, and artists—figures such as the Prince of Wales, a celebrated novelist, and a legendary film comedian—all rendered with a blend of humor and insight that goes beyond mere likeness. Covarrubias lets the contours of a face tell the story, offering readers a witty, visual commentary on the personalities that shaped an era, all without the need for explanatory captions.