Etta Hulme and the Art of Politics

This book celebrates the long and distinguished career of one of the most prominent editorial cartoonists in the country for more than half a century beginning in the mid-1950s. Etta Hulme was the most prominent woman editorial cartoonist of her time and offered insightful commentary on Fort Worth, Texas, American, and international politics over that entire time. The book is an attempt to offer some of her finest work across all of these categories and over the span of her career. With more than 8000 cartoons in her collection, trying to understand her essence with only about 180 examples is a daunting task.

Hulme was a provocative artist—she addressed the enduring problems of American democracy head on. She delighted in exposing hypocrisy in public officials and spared no one from pointed criticism. Her distinctive drawings served as a lightening rod for readers of the Fort Worth Star Telegram. She embraced critiques of her often libral perspectives and celebrated her many admirers.

This book begins with a short biographical sketch of Hulme. It is then divided into 6 distinct chapters evaluating her political cartoons—U.S. presidents, American politics and policy, Texas governors, Texas politics and policy, Texas and Fort Worth Congressional leaders, and international politics. The depth and breadth of her work is evident in the cartoons selected and together they offer insightful looks at a half century of American politics and at Hulme’s creative take on the issues of her time.