Freud saw money primarily as a fecal symbol: something to hoarded, treasured, and counted. That probably says more about Freud and the times he lived in than money. A more modern and accurate interpretation of money would be as a symbol of fertility and potency. So perhaps it is no coincidence that until the arrival of Tina Brown in 1992, The New Yorker never ran cartoons about sex. On the other hand, an astonishing 25 per cent of the 13,000 cartoons it has run since 1986 have been about money.

In his introduction to The New Yorker Book of Money Cartoons, Christopher Buckley, editor of Forbes FYI magazine, calls the cartoonists' obsession with business and money as a "sublimation" of this forbidden subject. One cartoon even shows two New Yorkers walking the streets surrounded by signs for money on the shops, billboards, buildings, vendors' umbrellas, and cars. "Remember a few years ago when everything was sex, sex, sex?" says one to the other. Another shows a couple standing at the entrance to a sumptuous living room. "See," says the man, "isn't this better than being happy?"

Of course American culture in general, and New York life in particular, has always been obsessed with money as an index of success, while other, older cultures such as the U.K. at least have a class system to fall back on. Nonetheless, this charming and relevant collection of cartoons will ring bells with anyone who has ever striven in the world of mammon. It's not so much the sort of book you would buy yourself, but it would be a real pleasure to give and to receive. --Alex Benady

The influence, power, and occasional insanity of money in our lives. If money makes the world go 'round, why does it also wreck havoc with our personal worlds, spinning them up and down, topsy-turvy, even out of orbit? Money can make us feel happy, sad, elated, stressed, crazed, and a whole host of other emotions. Now, thanks to the brilliant cartoonists of "The New Yorker," money can also make us giggle, chuckle, chortle, snicker, and laugh our loud. And, we can better understand why money does all of the above. This delightful collection about money in our everyday lives features 110 classic cartoons from the cartoonists of "The New Yorker"--artists like Charles Addams, George Booth, Roz Chast, Peter Arno, and Gahan Wilson. The wit within its pages will tickle (and often inform) everyone in all walks of life. Christopher Buckley adds to the merriment with an introductory essay in his own inimitable and hilarious style.

Featured artists: Charles Addams, Charles Barsotti, George Booth, Roz Chast, Tom Cheney, Leo Cullum, Sam Gross, William Hamilton, J.B. Handlesman, Bruce Eric Kaplan (BEK), Edward Koren, Robert Mankoff, Warren Miller, Victoria Roberts, Danny Shanahan, Bernard Schoenbaum, James Stevenson, Eric Teitelbaum, Mike Twohy, Robert Weber, Gahan Wilson, Jack Ziegler, and more.

I first discovered The New Yorker when I was a teenager. When I saw how many people subscribed to the magazine, I started asking people why they did. Inevitably, the answer was, "For the cartoons." Since then, I have come to realize that The New Yorker is like the hall of fame for cartoonists.

Now, subscriptions to The New Yorker are pretty expensive, so your cost per cartoon can be hefty. Buy this book, and slash your cost per cartoon while increasing your laughs per minute!

Seriously (no kidding), this volume is well done. It leads off with a very witty essay about money from Christopher Buckley of Forbes FYI who introduces some of the cartoons.

As well drawn as these 110 classic cartoons are, you'll find that many of them work as quips. "I married you for your money, Leonard. Where is it?"

The pursuit of money is always tinged with concern about what one is giving up to get it. "Well, anyhow, it sure is handy having my broker right here in my cell."

Money can be a distressing subject as well, too delicate for the dinner table. "Must you tell us our daily share of the national debt every time we sit down to dinner?"

Money is an important subject. One that often comes up in families at other times. "Your mother called to remind you to diversify," says secretary to the executive.

The dog's eye view is helpful also, as one pooch says to the other, "Let's face it -- man's best friend is money."

The challenges of having enough money can bring us all up short. Like the man addressing the bank teller said, "I'd like to bounce a check."

It's no wonder that money has been such a constant source of cartoons in The New Yorker. By putting many of the best ones in this fine book, you'll have a good cross section of the best New Yorker cartoons in recent years.

Have a good laugh! Then stop to think about what stalled thinking you may have about money. Then think about how you could change your beliefs about money to have a better life.

I first discovered The New Yorker when I was a teenager. When I saw how many people subscribed to the magazine, I started asking people why they did. Inevitably, the answer was, "For the cartoons." Since then, I have come to realize that The New Yorker is like the hall of fame for cartoonists.

Now, subscriptions to The New Yorker are pretty expensive, so your cost per cartoon can be hefty. Buy this book, and slash your cost per cartoon while increasing your laughs per minute!

Seriously (no kidding), this volume is well done. It leads off with a very witty essay about money from Christopher Buckley of Forbes FYI who introduces some of the cartoons.

As well drawn as these 110 classic cartoons are, you'll find that many of them work as quips. "I married you for your money, Leonard. Where is it?"

The pursuit of money is always tinged with concern about what one is giving up to get it. "Well, anyhow, it sure is handy having my broker right here in my cell."

Money can be a distressing subject as well, too delicate for the dinner table. "Must you tell us our daily share of the national debt every time we sit down to dinner?"

Money is an important subject. One that often comes up in families at other times. "Your mother called to remind you to diversify," says secretary to the executive.

The dog's eye view is helpful also, as one pooch says to the other, "Let's face it -- man's best friend is money."

The challenges of having enough money can bring us all up short. Like the man addressing the bank teller said, "I'd like to bounce a check."

It's no wonder that money has been such a constant source of cartoons in The New Yorker. By putting many of the best ones in this fine book, you'll have a good cross section of the best New Yorker cartoons in recent years.

Have a good laugh! Then stop to think about what stalled thinking you may have about money. Then think about how you could change your beliefs about money to have a better life.

As a former business owner, I found that those without a sence of humor soon lost money.

Here is a book of cartoons that will help most everyone laugh, maybe even those on the way to their best tax haven (page 13),or those who want to discuss the portfolio losses with their broker (page 96). There is also some excellent advice to use when responding to those unwanted cold calls (page 46).

Yes, I do like cartoons. With this book you can become a very good "money person".

It is bound to bring many laughs, today, tomorrow and in much of the future!