I'm confused about how I should catalog graphic novels--both illustrated works of literary classics and original graphic novels, such as those in the TinTin series. And what about comic-book-style nonfiction, such as Japan Inc.: An Introduction to Japanese Economics (The Comic Book)?

800 Literature is one of the most faceted of all the main Dewey classes, and literary form is an important facet to consider when cataloging works of literature. An adaptation of one form into another is classified with that form. For example, Lamb's Tales from Shakespeare, a fictional treatment of Shakespeare's plays, falls under 823.7, with Lamb's fiction--not under 822.33, with Shakespeare's plays.

When a work of literature is illustrated, the question to consider is whether the illustrated work is an adaptation. If the illustrations merely accompany or enhance the text, the work is classified with the number for the original work. For example, an edition of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit that contains a dozen illustrations would be classified at 823.912. However, when the illustrations are as important as the text itself, the work is classified in 741.5, e.g., an illustrated edition of The Hobbit for which both the illustrator and adapter receive the same amount of credit as Tolkien.

The adaptation issue does not arise in the case of an original graphic novel: original graphic novels are classified in 741.5; e.g., TinTin 741.59493 (741.59 [Collections] + 493 [Belgium, from Table 2]).

The illustrated (or cartoon) treatment of a subject is classified with the subject, plus standard subdivision 0222 (Pictures and related illustrations) or 0207 (Humorous treatment). Japan Inc. is a humorous illustrated treatment of the economic conditions of Japan in the 1980s; therefore, it is classified at 330.9520480207: 330.9 (Economic conditions) + 52 (Japan) + 048 (1980-1989) + 0207 (Humorous treatment).

Last revised: 05 September 2003