The Eighteenth Century in English Caricature

This volume offers a lively examination of English caricature during the eighteenth century, tracing its development from early burlesque sketches to the sharp political satire that defined the age. Drawing on the work of masters such as Hogarth, Gillray, Rowlandson, and Bunbury, the author unpacks how these artists turned everyday events into visual punchlines that still resonate today. The narrative is richly illustrated, guiding listeners through vivid descriptions of iconic plates that once adorned coffeehouses and pamphlets.

Beyond the images, the book delves into the social and cultural forces that shaped the genre—urban life, class tensions, and the shifting tides of power. It shows how caricature served both as comic relief and a subtle weapon of critique, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of its audience. Listeners will come away with a sharper sense of how humor, art, and politics intersected in a period of rapid change, and why these drawings remain a window into the spirit of their time.