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An illustrator rarely completely in charge of a character. The sketching tool might shake and tremble and veer instead of zag — consistency is a hope, not a certainty. Additionally, an absolutely lively figure will eventually direct the author, not the other way around. This was consistently the manner in which the comic's creator the illustrator explained why his creation, his lively creation, evolved starting with his first appearance in the mid-20th century through his concluding strip showings by the year 2000.

“As my drawing style grew more relaxed, Snoopy could to accomplish more,” Schulz said in 1975. “And when I ultimately created the technique of using his imagination to envision becoming many heroic figures, the comic assumed a completely new dimension."

Mapping the evolution of his visual style and personality might seem tedious in different Schulz archives, however, fortunately for comic fiends, it’s about to get slightly more manageable. Timed to the three-quarter century mark of Schulz’s strip, The Essential Peanuts is a deluxe slipcased coffee table volume by award-winning writer Mark Evanier which selects the most iconic Schulz's panels and presents them alongside new historical and societal background. Designed by Chip Kidd, the publication contains an introduction from Jean, a preface from Mutts cartoonist Patrick McDonnell, plus writings by a group of prominent experts (including an cosmonaut admirer of the beagle). Tucked in the collection are a number of memorabilia items, such as postcards, reproductions, an embroidered patch, stickers, and a facsimile classic Peanuts comic book.

Expanding upon the publisher's acclaimed Peanuts program, the author's homage explores the creator's innovative vision and the strip’s permanent legacy throughout the arts, literature, and common experiences. The final product highlights the way Peanuts has surpassed eras, and became a more significant entity than Schulz himself could ever attribute to his initial concept.

Below, there appear special excerpts from the new volume, specifically looking at how Snoopy changed in the early years.

Within his notes, included in the pages, the author points out how all of the comic's personas eventually changed through sheer repetition and finding, using Snoopy as the prime illustration. By the late 1950s, the beagle had grown more elongated and more creative, transforming into various roles like creatures to alternate identities like Joe Cool. It's a beautiful representation of an art which has faded as the newspaper industry diminishes, but clearly deserves a place in the annals of visual-art history.

This Essential Collection, costing $75, reaches shops this October.