Fantagraphics Books is pleased to present, for the first time, thedefinitive, expanded, hardcover collection of Sacco's landmark ofcomics journalism. <em>Palestine: The Special Edition</em> is more than a new edition: consider it the "Criterion" <em>Palestine</em>. In addition to the original, 288-page graphic novel and introduction by the late Edward Said, <em>The Special Edition</em>includes a host of unique material never before published, includingmany of Sacco's original background notes, sketches, photographicreference, and much more. The book also includes a new, introductoryinterview with Sacco about the making of the book as well as a newcover and design. <em>Palestine: The Special Edition</em> will be a cornerstone of any serious comic collection. With the Middle East's role in contemporary world politics, Sacco's <em>Palestine</em>has never been more relevant or more valuable to a country desperate tounderstand this long-running conflict. Based on several months ofresearch and an extended visit to the West Bank and Gaza Strip in theearly 1990s (where he conducted over 100 interviews with Palestiniansand Jews), <em>Palestine</em> was the first major comics work ofpolitical and historical nonfiction by Sacco, whose name has sincebecome synonymous with this graphic form of New Journalism. Sacco'sinsightful reportage takes place at the front lines, where busymarketplaces are spoiled by shootings and tear gas, soldiers beatcivilians with reckless abandon, and roadblocks go up before reporterscan leave. Sacco interviewed and encountered prisoners, refugees,protesters, wounded children, farmers who had lost their land, andfamilies who had been torn apart by the Palestinian conflict.