The Comic Almanack and Diary 1851 (coloured version)

Illustrated by George Cruikshank and H. G. Hine. London: David Bogue, 1851. Octavo, gilt-decorated flush cut cloth covered boards (dulled), text block slightly cracked, pp. 64, 24 (adverts.), extensively illustrated throughout, folding frontispiece by Cruikshank, fine original hand colouring. The frontispiece is an etching measuring 165 x 410mm, titled ‘Probable effects of over female emigration, or, Importing the fair sex from the Savage Islands in consequence of exporting all our own to Australia !!!!!’. It shows the perceived dreadful romantic future facing the men of England as a result of the need to ship their maidens to the colony. Includes an article on the same subject. An overt illustrated example of Victorian racism executed with skilful flourish by one of the most acclaimed satirists of the period.

The superior issue, coloured, in the cloth binding.