almanac;
print;
book-illustration(Part of an almanac but similar in form to book illustrations);
satirical print(social satire)
- Museum number
- 1878,1214.186-192
- Description
-
Reid 4928. 'The Comic Almanack' for 1851 published by David Bogue and illustrated by George Cruikshank.
Bound as a book in a brown textile binding with a copy of 'Stenelaus and Amylda: A Christmas Legend.' Lettered on the spine: "G. Cruikshank-Comic Almanack-Stenelaus and Amylda- 1851-1858."
In a beige paper wrapper with twelve illustrations, each representing a different sign of the zodiac surrounding the title:
"The Comic Almanack for 1851 with twelve illustrations of the months by Geo. Cruikshank. London, David Bogue, Fleet Street."
On the title-page: "The Comic Almanack, for 1851 and diary. Edited by Henry Mayhew and illustrated by George Cruikshank." With a vignette illustration of Father Time juggling balls which represent each month of the year. Lettered below the image: "David Bogue, Fleet Street, London." and at the foot of the page: "Henry Vizetelly, Printer and Engraver, Gough Square, Fleet Street, London."
A handcoloured, folded etched frontispiece illustration is bound opposite the title-page etched illustration plates are also included in the edition and wood engraved illustrations are integrated in the text. (See "References and Comments" and "Subject and Associations" for details of illustration plates.)
An advertisement for 'Home pastime or the child's own toy maker.' with practical instructions and illustration by E. Landells is advertised on the final page.
On the back of the wrapper, "The Comic Almanac for 1851" within a decorative border constructed from plants and trees surrounded three female figures and that of a huntsman holding a gun.
1851
Letterpress almanac with etched illustration plates and wood engraved vignette illustrations
- Production date
- 1851
- Dimensions
-
Height: 161 millimetres (approx page height (note variation in page sizes.))
-
Height: 161 millimetres (approx. page height (sheet)3)
-
Width: 120 millimetres (approx page width)
-
Width: 415 millimetres (approx. page width (sheet))
- Curator's comments
- See GW Reid 'A descriptive catalogue of the works of George Cruikshank.' for descriptions of individual illustrations.
For extensive description of original formats and publication history of 'The Comic Almanack.' See AM Cohn 184.
The Department of Prints and Drawings holds a complete run of editions from 1835-1853 acquired from a various sources. 184.d.11-18.For another edition of the 'Comic Alamanac of 1851 without the outer wrapper (which is not described by either Reid or Cohn), see 1864, 0309.270-276.
British Museum collection numbers have been given to the etched illustration plates only not the wood engraved illustrations.
This edition includes numerous wood engraved vignette illustrations which are not described in GW Reid's 'Descriptive catalogue of George Cruikshank's work.' This almamac provides insight into attitudes towards race, gender and politics at the time of publication.
On issues of population, see:
Reid 2527. 'Taking the census.' A satire on the census from "The Comic Almanack and Diary" for 1851: two census takers confront a father who struggles to recall every member of his extensive family and Reid 2531, 'Over-population.'
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1878
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1878,1214.186-192
