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A 1925 prospectus for The New Yorker included the scornful promise that this new, sophisticated magazine wouldn't be "edited for the old lady in Dubuque." That scorn didn't extend to all women. Cofounded by Jane Grant, The New Yorker from the very beginning recognized the value of women contributors. Some, like Dorothy Parker, achieved immortality. But forgotten until now are key voices and talents behind The New Yorker's calling card: those one-panel, wry, smart cartoons.

Liza Donnelly's new book Very Funny Ladies: The New Yorker's Women Cartoonists resurrects Ethel Plummer, featured in the debut issue. That first cartoon's two voices—an out-of-touch uncle and a sexually frank flapper—set the template for urban denizens of the panels ever since. Donnelly traces the line of comic artists from Plummer's time to today's celebrated works by the likes of Roz Chast and Donnelly herself. In between are tales of fluctuating acceptance of female points of view, and frustrated efforts to introduce gender equality in the characters and scenarios.

Join us for an evening with one of The New Yorker's noted "funny ladies" for insider tales of her pen-wielding ancestors and today's witty colleagues.

Photo of Liza Donnelly by Eric Korenman