The Life of George Cruikshank in Two Epochs, Vol. 2. (of 2)

In 1835 the publisher Mr. Tilt launched the Comic Almanac, inviting George Cruikshank to supply its illustrations. Over nineteen annual volumes the artist combined sharp caricature with witty commentary, turning the almanac into a reliable source of income and a personal outlet for his opinions on the day’s follies. The work captures the popular mood of the era, offering a lively mixture of satire, social observation, and the artist’s unmistakable flair.

The almanac contains nearly 250 etchings that chronicle everything from icy January streets to bustling Vauxhall Gardens, each month rendered with vivid humor and keen detail. Contributions from writers such as Thackeray, Gilbert à Beckett and the Mayhew brothers enrich the text, while Cruikshank’s plates lampoon quacks, pretensions, and everyday absurdities. For listeners, it provides an entertaining glimpse into mid‑Victorian London life, preserving the wit and benevolence that made his illustrations beloved.