“AN ARTIST OF RARE TALENTS, BOTH IN HUMOUR AND PATHOS”

CRUIKSHANK, George. The Comic Almanack… With Many Hundred Illustrations by George Cruikshank and Other Artists. First Series, 1835-1843; Second Series, 1844-1853. London: John Camden Hotten, circa 1871. Two volumes. Octavo, early 20th-century three-quarter green morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled boards and endpapers, top edges gilt. $1600.

Later edition, with hundreds of illustrations, some folding, and humorous pieces by Thackeray, Mayhew, and others. Handsomely bound by Zaehnsdorf.

"Cruikshank attained great celebrity as an artist of rare talents, both in humour and pathos" (Allibone, 456). "In 1835 Cruikshank issued the first number of the 'Comic Almanack,' with a dozen 'right merrie' cuts (etchings) 'pertaining to the months' by himself, and a few minor embellishments. Sometimes the letterpress was supplied by distinguished contributors" (DNB). This two-volume set is the complete run from 1835 to 1853. Cohn 184 (note).

Spines evenly toned to brown. A fine pair of volumes.