
audiobook
PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. Volume 108, April 13, 1895 edited by Sir Francis Burnand
IN PRAISE OF THE TRIANGLE.
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF;
SATURDAY NIGHT IN THE EDGWARE ROAD.
OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.
NOT DONE YET.
"HOW TO CONTROL AND RECTIFY PUBLIC OPINION."
"TO PARIS AND BACK FOR NOTHING."
ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.
A sprightly opening invites listeners into a mock‑epic ode to the humble triangle, treating the tiny percussion instrument as if it were the sole conduit of true feeling. The verses twirl through exaggerated comparisons with lutes, trombones and bagpipes, all while poking gentle fun at pretensions in music and poetry. Its buoyant rhythm sets a light‑hearted tone that encourages a smile before the first laugh even lands.
The next segment turns its satirical eye toward a stone griffin perched on the Strand, riffing on the yearly wreath‑laying rituals that honor everything from celebrated heroes to forgotten officials. A tongue‑in‑cheek “new discovery” about the element argon slips in, blending scientific curiosity with the magazine’s signature whimsy. This blend of cultural commentary and playful absurdity captures the era’s delight in poking fun at solemn traditions.
Finally, a breezy dialogue erupts between a blustery John Bull and a philosophic Nilus, weaving references to Herodotus, Egyptian identity and contemporary imperial debates. Their banter layers historical quotation with modern political satire, hinting at the lively public discourse of the day. Listeners get a taste of Victorian humor that feels surprisingly relevant, all delivered in crisp, witty prose.
Language
en
Duration
~53 minutes (51K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Malcolm Farmer, Lesley Halamek and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2014-01-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A shared credit like this usually means the audiobook brings together work by more than one writer. That can make for a lively listening experience, with different voices, styles, and ideas collected in one place.
View all books
by Various Authors

by Various Authors

by Various Authors

by Various Authors

by Various Authors

by Various Authors

by Various Authors