Tōpffer was born and died in Geneva. He studied literature and became a teacher and docent at the University.

In his free time, he wrote short illustrated stories.

Such as:

  • Histoire de Monsieur Jabot
  • Monsieur Crepin
  • Histoire de Monsieur Vieux Bois
  • Monsieur Pencil
  •   Histoire de Monsieur Cryptogramme 1845- 1858  (Translated in Dutch as  “Reizen en Avonturen van Mijnheer Prikkebeen”)

   

L’Histoire de Monsieur Jabot was published in the United States in 1842 as “The Adventures of Mr Obadick Oldbuck”, inspiring the birth of the American graphic novel.

His stories are considered what nowadays is called comic strips and they are satirical about the 19th century ‘s society.

Essai de physiognomie

REFERENCES:

Tõppfer “Essai de physiognomie”
http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b8529034f/f13.item.r=.zoom

Toppferiana:

http://www.topfferiana.fr/