Graham Everitt's book isn't a dry art history lesson. Instead, it reads like a guided tour through the bustling, ink-stained world of 19th-century London's publishing scene. The story follows the rise of illustrated periodicals like Punch and The Comic Almanack, and the artists who made them famous. We meet figures like James Gillray, whose savage political cartoons could sway public opinion, and George Cruikshank, whose illustrations for Dickens brought characters to life in a whole new way. The book shows how these artists worked, often under intense deadline pressure, and how their work evolved from simple jokes to complex social commentary.

Why You Should Read It

This book changed how I see history. We're so used to studying the past through official documents and portraits, but this shows us the unofficial version—the jokes, the gossip, the public mood. Everitt makes you feel the energy of the time. You get a real sense of the personalities: the fiery temper of one artist, the gentle wit of another. It's fascinating to see how they navigated censorship and libel laws to get their point across. The cartoons themselves are reproduced throughout, and they are often laugh-out-loud funny, even today. You realize that while the clothes and technology have changed, human nature—our love of mocking the powerful and laughing at ourselves—hasn't.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect read for anyone who loves history but finds textbooks boring. It's also a goldmine for art lovers, writers, or anyone curious about the origins of modern satire and political cartooning. If you enjoy shows or books that explore society through its pop culture, you'll love this. It’s not a light, breezy read—there are a lot of names and publications to keep track of—but it’s endlessly rewarding. You'll finish it looking at the 19th century, and maybe even our own media-saturated age, with completely new eyes.