“Cordel” [string] prints are a living, spontaneous art form that allows the graphic arts to contribute to the idea of community building, since it provides a way for stories from an oral tradition to be published and thus preserve the local culture. The preferred style in these books is to present everyday situations in a satirical way, as in the case of J[osé Francisco] Borges (b. 1935) who usually draws on themes and scenes from the interior of the state of Pernambuco. His works, including “O noivo medroso” [The Fainthearted Boyfriend], “A mulher da ligeireza” [The Indiscreet Woman], “O velho que achou o dinheiro” [The Old Man Who Found Money], “A velha e o papagaio” [The Old Woman and the Parrot], “A filosofia do peido” [The Philosophy of the Fart] and many others, combine everyday events, fantasy, vile acts, and farce which, at least, can be sung. The illustrations, which are roughly printed, reveal a sense of community, not in the details of the print itself, but in the way it is circulated. Working like a medieval guild, J. Borges’ whole family, and a few neighbors, produce and sell the books. The prints are sold separately and are then used by other artists on posters, record sleeves, advertising leaflets, and so on.