The Comic Almanack. An Ephemeris in Jest and Earnest, Containing Merry Tales, Humorous Poetry, Quips and Oddities. [2 vol complete]

Thackeray, Albert Smith, Gilbert à Beckett, the Brothers Mayhew

Published by Chatto and Windus, Piccadilly, London, 1870

About this Item

Rebound with leather spine titles in crimson cloth with renewed endpages; retained half title pages. Top edge gilt. 12mo; 7.5 inches tall; [4], 388; [2], 428; inserted frontispieces (1 folding) and title pages, illustrated throughout with nearly 2000 woodcuts and steel engravings (some folding) Undated [1870] The bindings are tight and square. Text clean, light even toning. Minimal shelf handling wear. . The "Comic Almanacks" of George Cruikshank have long been regarded by admirers of this inimitable artist as among his finest, most characteristic productions. Extending over a period of nineteen years, from 1835 to 1853, inclusive, they embrace the best period of his artistic career, and show the varied excellences of hismarvelous power. The late Mr. Tilt, of Fleet Street, first conceived the idea of the "Comic Almanack," and at various times there were engaged upon it such writers as Thackeray, Albert Smith, the Brothers Mayhew, the late Robert Brough, Gilbert A'Beckett, and it has been asserted, Tom Hood, the elder. Thackeray's stories of "Stubbs' Calendar, or the Fatal Boots," which subsequently appeared as "Stubbs' Diary;" and "Barber Cox, or the Cutting of his Comb," formed the leading attractions in the numbers for 1839 and 1840. The Almanack was published at 2s. 6d., but in 1848-9 the size was reduced and the price altered to 1s. The change did not produce the increased circulation expected, and in 1850 it was again enlarged and published at 2s. 6d. In this year some very spiritedly designed folding plates were added, and this feature continued until 1853, when Mr. Tilt's partner, the late Mr. Bogue, thought proper to discontinue the work. First Series 1835-1843. Second Series 1844-1853.

Seller Inventory # 17195

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Comic Almanack. An Ephemeris in Jest and Earnest, Containing Merry Tales, Humorous Poetry, Quips and Oddities. [2 vol complete]
• Publisher: Chatto and Windus, Piccadilly, London
• Publication Date: 1870
• Binding: Cloth Hardcovers
• Illustrator: Cruikshank, George
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket As Issued
• Seller catalogs:
  • 19th CENTURY PUBLICATIONS