Little Nemo may be a diminutive hero of comic narrative but he sure stands tall as one of the greatest voyagers of the 20th century. The master creation of Winsor McCay (1869–1934), this small and restless sleeper inspired generations of artists with his weekly adventures from bed to Slumberland, a dream realm of colorful companions, elaborate architecture, psychedelic scenery, and thrilling adventures.

Winsor McCay’s Little Nemo 1905–1909 collects, in glorious full color, all 220 of Nemo’s nocturnal escapades from the period 1905 to 1909. Through them, we delight not only in the splendor of Slumberland, a surreal benchmark for Robert Crumb and Federico Fellini, but also McCay’s pioneering panel layout and storytelling techniques, his timing and pacing, and extraordinary architectural detail.

In the accompanying 150-page illustrated essay, art historian and comics expert Alexander Braun places Winsor McCay’s life and work within the cultural history of the U.S. media and entertainment industry, and explores the immense art historical significance of McCay’s dream narrative. At once an adventure story, visual delight, and piece of cultural history, this publication is a tremendous monument to one of the most innovative pioneers—and one of the most intrepid explorers—of comic history.