"Pearls is the hottest comic in the newspaper business these days." --<I>Raleigh News amd Observer</I> <P>Named Best Comic Strip of the Year by the National Cartoonists Society in 2004 and 2007, <I>Pearls Before Swine</I> is regarded by fans and critics alike as a thoughtful commentary on humanity's pitiable plight.<P>Stephan Pastis sketches this nuanced comic strip tale, which features the arrogant, self-centered, and totally hilarious Rat, who leads his four-legged friends through misadventure after misadventure. Joining him for the journey are Pig, the slow but good-hearted conscience of the strip; Goat, the voice of reason that often goes unheard; and Zebra and the eternally inept Crocodiles who pursue him. Together this mindful menagerie mocks the flaws and shortcomings of human nature through Pastis's cynically biting wit.<UL><LI> The third <I>Pearls Before Swine</I> treasury, this book combines all the cartoons from <I>Da Brudderhood of Zeeba Zeeba Eata</I> and <I>The Sopratos</I>, along with annotations by Pastis.</LI><LI> From courtroom antics to references of other cartoon strips, Pastis's strip is a fresh presence on the comic pages.</LI></UL>