
audiobook
by J. W. (John Wilson) Bengough
A vivid visual chronicle brings the early decades of Canadian politics to life, using the sharp wit of the famed satirical artist Grip and his contemporaries. Through a succession of cartoons, the book captures the debates, scandals, and personalities that shaped the nation from the union of 1841 onward. The images serve as a lively companion to the often‑dense historical record, letting listeners see the era’s drama at a glance.
The humor is more than mere entertainment; it acts as a keen lens that highlights the truths hidden behind parliamentary rhetoric. Grip’s drawings—unafraid to wander into government halls, taverns, and council chambers—expose the motivations and foibles of public figures with a gentle, impartial touch. Listeners will discover how satire can clarify complex issues while delivering a hearty laugh.
Supplemented with selections from earlier Canadian publications, the collection offers a continuous pictorial narrative of the nation’s political journey. It invites anyone curious about Canada’s formative years to experience history as it was felt by the public: vivid, contentious, and undeniably human.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (186K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Canada: Grip Print. and Pub. Co., 1886.
Credits
Brian Coe, Barry Abrahamsen, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was created from images of public domain material made available by the University of Toronto Libraries.)
Release date
2023-04-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1851–1923
A pioneering Canadian cartoonist, editor, and performer, he became famous for sharp political satire and a lively public voice. His work helped shape early cartooning in Canada and gave readers a witty, often pointed take on national politics.
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