almanac;
print;
book-illustration(Part of an almanac but similar in form to book illustrations);
satirical print(social satire)
- Museum number
- 1856,0809.18
- Description
-
Reid 4928. 'The Comic Almanack' for 1835 published by Charles Tilt and illustrated by George Cruikshank.
Bound as a book with issues of 'The Comic Almanack' for 1836 and 1837 in red leather and textile with "George Cruikshank. Comic Almanack 1835-37" on the spine.
Lettered on the title-page: "The Comic Almanack, for 1835: An ephermeris in jest and earnest containing all things fitting for such a work by Rigdum Funnidos Gent adorned with a dozen "righte merrie" cuts, pertaining to the months, sketched and etched by George Cruikshank and divers humorous cuts by other hands." With a wood engraved vignette of an astrologer wearing a jester's hat surrounded by various accoutrements including a skeleton, skull and a black cat. Below: "London: Mprinted [sic]for Charles Tilt, Bibliopolist in Fleet Street. Vizetelly, Branston and Co. Printers, Fleet Street."
Contents include an introduction "Preludium," tables of fasts, festivals &c, sun and moon rises and sets, "odd matters" and weather for each month with articles at the end of the text. Other contents include verses and miscellaneous information. A full page etched illustration plate representing a comic scene of urban life accompanies each month. (See References and comments). With a 'Hieroglyphic' on page 28, a wood engraved tail-piece on page 52 and a headpiece and tailpiece on page 53. Miscellaneous information and advertisements are at the end of the publication.
1835
Letterpress almanac with etched plates and a wood engraved vignette illustrations
- Production date
- 1835
- Dimensions
-
Height: 165 millimetres (approx page height)
-
Width: 100 millimetres (approx page width)
- Curator's comments
- See GW Reid "A descriptive catalogue of the works of George Cruikshank." for descriptions of individual illustrations.
The "hieroglyphic" on the final page is not signed by Cruikshank or described by GW Reid
Bound in a volume of three editions of "The Comic Almanack" (1835-37.) For extensive description of original formats and publication history of "The Comic Almanack." See AM Cohn 184.
The British Museum holds a full run of editions from 1835-1853 acquired from a various sources. 184.d.11-18.
Proofs of individual illustrations are also held in the Department of Prints and Drawings' collection.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1856
- Acquisition notes
- Issues of the 'Comic Almanack' for the years 1835-40 were acquired by the Museum from Mr Miller in 1856.
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1856,0809.18
