If you don’t know the web comic xkcd, you’re not a big enough nerd. Now, its creator, Randall Munroe, has released a book of his work. Jacket Copy takes a look at how this “former NASA contractor who left to pursue stick-figure cartooning full-time” (try explaining that one to the parents) chose an unconventional publishing route. He also used the project to bring about some unconventional and admirable things. He pledged part of the book’s profits would be used to build a school in Laos, and “the school . . . whose $32,000 goal was reached shortly after the first two book signings in San Francisco and New York, is almost constructed.”

Three funny examples of Munroe’s work over the years here and here and here. Countless more at the site.