Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 108, April 20, 1895

A lively snapshot of Victorian wit, this volume gathers the sharp‑tongued humour that made the periodical a household name. From a tongue‑in‑cheek grammar quiz that turns “bad” into “dead” to a jaunty verse about a new governess, the pages sparkle with wordplay and gentle ribbing of everyday life.

The magazine also ventures into mock‑serious forecasts, offering a tongue‑in‑cheek “Chino‑Japanese calendar” that imagines an absurd future of trade, migration and industrial upheaval. A spirited protest poem about outsourcing laundry to Holland showcases the era’s blend of patriotism and parody, while a comic sketch about a near‑accident on Northumberland Avenue reveals a character’s desperate hope for a nurse’s care.

Together, these pieces paint a vivid picture of late‑Victorian society—its anxieties, its quirks, and its love of a good laugh—making the collection a charming listen for anyone curious about the period’s playful satire.