1864 Comic History of England Satire Literature John

1864 Comic History of England Satire Literature John Leech COLOR Illustrated

John Leech was a staff artist for "Punch" from its early issues in 1841. Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett (1811-1856), was one of the original staff members for "Punch," and a frequent contributor to the "Illustrated London News." He was also selected by Charles Dickens to dramatize the "Chimes" and other works. A’Beckett’s purpose was,

"to blend amusement with instruction, by serving up, in as palatable a shape as he could, the facts of English History. … His object has been to furnish something which may be allowed to take its place as a standing at the library table, and which, though light, may not be found devoid of nutriment."--Preface.

The value of this work is often attributed to Leech’s illustrations. Tooley states,

“The colored plates are beautifully rendered, and though the woodcuts do not compare in execution with the etched plates they are as fine in conception and show infinitely more subtle humor than the text. Among the most popular and best of Leech's work. The half-titles in first issue must be printed in red." (Tooley, p.245).

This undated mid-19th century edition is illustrated with 20 hand-colored steel engravings and 200 in-text woodcuts by John Leech.

Item number: #8824

Price: $399

BECKETT, Gilbert Abbott À

The comic history of England. Illustrated by John Leech.

London: Bradbury and Evans, [1864].

Details:

Collation: Complete with all pages; 2 volumes in 1

Vol. I – xviii, 320

Vol. II – 304

Numerous engravings throughout

References: Tooley 245;

Language: English

Binding: Leather; tight & secure

Size: ~8.75in x 6in (22cm x 15cm)

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8824
Condition Report: Excellent.