The Works of William Hogarth: In a Series of Engravings With Descriptions, and a Comment on Their Moral Tendency

In this richly illustrated volume, the celebrated eighteenth‑century artist’s entire oeuvre is presented through a sequence of his most famous engravings, each accompanied by clear, concise descriptions. The commentary goes beyond mere technique, exploring the moral messages woven into scenes of everyday London life—temptation, vice, and the consequences of folly rendered with both humor and sharp social insight. Listeners will hear how the plates were intended not just as art but as visual sermons urging viewers toward virtue.

Interwoven with the plates are lively anecdotes drawn from the artist’s own family and contemporaries, offering a personable glimpse of his journey from a modest apprenticeship to a household name. Stories of impromptu sketches born in a crowded tavern or the bustling streets of Highgate reveal a keen eye for character that defined his work. The narrative paints a vivid portrait of a man who turned ordinary moments into timeless moral commentary, inviting listeners to appreciate both his skill and his enduring social conscience.