Weedsy: The “E” In “THE”
If you enjoy weedsy, this Spill entry is for you.
The other day I was looking at Rea Irvin’s cover art for the very first issue of The New Yorker when I noticed something I’d never noticed before: the lowest arm of the “E” in the word “THE” has a bit of an angle to it as it relates to the (invisible) horizontal all the other cover type follows. 
It’s not much of an angle –perhaps 1 degree — I’m no math wizard. 
I used a grammar school protractor to measure it, but an angle it is.
The angled “E” remained on the next six issues. On the cover of April 11, 1925 the “E” in “THE” as well as the entire “NEW YORKER” took a very odd turn. The character of the lettering looks like someone went over it with a crayon. It’s most notable in the entire “THE.” The lettering is awkward, with the “E” especially crude.
The very next issue (April 18, 1925) the inaugural lettering was back, but then…
on the cover of the April 25, 1925 issue, the date and price were tinkered with. And, cue the trumpets!…the “E” in “THE” was now in line on the horizontal with the rest of the cover lettering; the inaugural angled “E” was history.
One week later, on the cover of the May 2, 1925 issue, the date and price were returned to their traditional places. The “E” has been on the level ever since, with a few exceptions where THE NEW YORKER was played around with for just that one week’s issue.*
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*such as here (cover on the left by Rea Irvin; cover on the right by James Stevenson):
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Bill Maher and John Leguizamo “Decode” New Yorker Cartoons
Here’s the latest episode of Bill Maher’s “Decoding New Yorker cartoons” segment. His guest is John Leguizamo. Watch here.
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Reminder: Joe Dator Original Cartoons Available!
–Above cartoon published in The New Yorker, April 11, 2022
If you’ve ever wanted to get hold of a Joe Dator original cartoon, this is the time. Mr. Dator, one of the modern masters at The New Yorker, is offering a number of his drawings at a very reasonable price.
The cartoonist tells the Spill that he will include a signed copy of his terrif collection, Inked, with every purchase. Go here to see the available originals
