The History of "Punch"

The book traces the foundation and development of a long-running satirical weekly, recounting the magazine's origins, the assembling of its early staff, and the financial and editorial struggles that shaped its first years. It chronicles social rituals such as the staff dinners and club, profiles contributors and their roles, and surveys the production processes of illustration, engraving, and printing. The narrative examines the periodical's political stances, its use of cartoons and jokes, disputes over authorship and plagiarism, and public controversies provoked by satire. Discussion also covers the cartoon's evolution, its reception at home and abroad, and the publication's changing editorial practices over time.