Peanuts is an icon of American culture, familiar and recognizable to nearly every America. A 2002 poll found Peanuts to be ‘one of the most recognizable cartoon properties in the world, recognized by 94 percent of the total U.S. consumer market and a close second only to Mickey Mouse (96 percent), and higher than other familiar cartoon properties like Spider-Man (75 percent) or the Simpsons (87 percent).’ Among other accolades from modern media, T.V. Guide ranked Charlie Brown and Snoopy #8 in their list of the “Top 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All-Time.”

Who was the creator of this famous comic and what were his inspirations? Let’s explore the life and artistic experiences of Charles M. Schulz.