The Complete History: The Life and Times of the Dark Knight

Book Description
Following on the heels of Superman: The Complete History, author Les Daniels spotlights another famed crime fighter—one who is perhaps even more popular than Superman. Batman, the Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight—whatever name he goes by, he is recognized by millions of fans as the most enigmatic and complex character in the super hero pantheon. Driven by personal demons, Bruce Wayne has loosed his shadow self on the villainy of Gotham City for 60 years. In celebration of this anniversary, Chronicle Books is proud to offer the first definitive account of Batman's heroic exploits. Les Daniels covers it all—from Batman's creation and runaway success in 1939, to the campy antics of the Adam West TV show, to the emergence of Frank Miller's very disturbed and very dark Dark Knight, to the billion-dollar movie franchise and beyond. Illustrated with archival comic book art and rare Batman paraphernalia, Batman: The Complete History also includes a comic book story colored by animator Bruce Timm especially for this book. Designed by Batman fan Chip Kidd, this history will please the hardcore fans, and win many new ones.
Batman and all related characters, names and indicia are trademarks of DC Comics Copyright 1999

From the Inside Flap
In 1939, Batman's dark shadow swooped over the comic book scene, and his vigilante battle with the vicious villainy of Gotham City has been thrilling his fans ever since. Once the tragic victim of a horrible crime, Bruce Wayne's nocturnal alter ego became the ultimate crime fighter--teamed with Robin the Boy Wonder and equipped with a formidable array of Bat-accessories. Batman: The Complete History offers the first defintive history of the most popular super hero of all time. Author Les Daniels traces Batman's evolution from his comic book beginnings to the campy theatrics of the Adam West TV show, to the emergence of Frank Miller's hard-edged Dark Knight, to today's blockbuster motion pictures. Illustrated throughout with rare comic book art, sketches, movie stills, and Batman merchandise, this tribute to the Caped Crusader reveals the multidimensional crime fighter in all his complexity. No matter which side of Batman's persona you find most appealing, you will treasure this rich and colorful tribute to an always intriguing super hero.