The sixth collection of classic illustrations and cartoons by Sempé (b.1932) to be published by Phaidon / In Highs and Lows, Sempé deals with the contrasts, contradictions and absurdities of modern urban life / Originally published in France in 1970 and now available to an English-speaking audience for the first time / Sempe's laconic, perfectly judged texts were translated by Anthea Bell, who helped bring Asterix the Gaul to the English-speaking world / Will appeal to cartoon connoisseurs and Francophiles as well as the general public

Jean-Jacques Sempé (b.1932) is one of the world's most successful illustrators and cartoonists. He is the illustrator of the classic children's-book character, Nicholas, and author of a collection of some thirty albums of his cartoons and graphic novels, all published or to be published by Phaidon. His world-renowned illustrations and cartoons are featured on the cover of the New Yorker and in Paris Match.