Original Charles M. Schulz Peanuts & Li’l Folks Strips

from Rookie of the Year, published June 15, 1969

Charles Monroe Schulz was an American cartoonist best known for creating Peanuts, one of the most beloved and influential comic strips to date. Born on November 26, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Schulz developed an early interest in drawing. His father was a barber, and his mother a homemaker – neither of whom could have imagined their only child would become a cultural icon. 

‘Peanuts’ traces the second half of the 20th century in a way few other cultural phenomena can. We see the underachieving Charlie Brown and his cast of friends traverse through the seemingly idyllic fifties, politically turbulent sixties, cynical seventies, and overly commercial eighties and nineties.

from Getting in the Way of the Shot, circa 1947-1950

Schulz’s strip tells the story of everyday life, as seen through the eyes of children. Although, don’t think for a second that these kids are without their relevant real world problems. He combined humor with deeper emotional and philosophical themes – exploring loneliness, failure, hope, and resilience through the eyes of children. His simple drawing style belied the emotional depth and subtle wit in his writing.

The characters themselves are a refreshing break from other comic strips of the day with girls, on equal footing with their male counterparts, and even an African-American character, Franklin, who made his animated debut just one year after Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination. 

from Psychiatric Help, published June 30, 1969

At its peak, Peanuts was published in over 2,600 newspapers, reaching more than 355 million readers in 75 countries. It was also adapted into animated specials, the most famous being A Charlie Brown Christmas, which is still widely watched today.

Over these many years, the Peanuts brand has expanded to a broader, worldwide audience. I have to believe that Schulz would be proud that his creation, a meager boy and his dog, have had such an impact on so many. And in 2025, as Peanuts celebrates its 75th anniversary, more people than ever identify with Charlie and his crew. 

Best Friend, circa 1947-1950

These items will be available in our upcoming American & Southern auction on November 14. The items will be available for preview by appointment Mondays-Thursdays, 9:00-5:00, and Fridays, 9:00-2:00. Previews may be scheduled with specialist Greg Capps by contacting greg@brunkauctions.com or 828-254-6846. Preview takes place at Brunk Auctions Asheville gallery, 117 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805.