John Leech, His Life and Work, Vol. 2 [of 2]

An intimate portrait of a Victorian cartoonist, this volume follows John Leech from his first attempts at exhibition through his breakthrough at the satirical weekly that defined his career. The narrative weaves together recollections of bustling art societies, the early mishaps of a fledgling magazine, and the lively humor that marked Leech's first published sketches. Interspersed with dozens of period illustrations, listeners can hear the visual wit that once filled the pages of a beloved publication.

The second half opens a lively gallery of Leech's connections—fellow illustrators, literary giants, and sporting enthusiasts—revealing how his work echoed the culture of his day. Personal anecdotes and critical commentary illuminate his artistic choices, from comic histories of ancient Rome to playful sporting novels. Together, these stories and images offer a vivid sense of the man whose drawings still flicker in the collective memory of British satire.