Wraps
Philadelphia
Philadelphia: The Barker, Moore & Mein Medicine Co. Printed by Theodore Leonhardt & Son. Wraps. Wraps. N.d., circa early 1890s. Oblong 8vo. 17.5 by 26.5 cm. 143 pp. There are various versions and formats of this collection of humorous cartoon advertisements for Barker's various remedies, this being early, and perhaps the earliest, of the collections. The cartoons sometimes play into the rampant Rascism of the day. The most prevalent aspect, though, is allusions to the political scene. Many of the cartoons are anthropomorphic. While there are sometimes long captions, the humor is primarily visual, and it is the visual element that can still generate an appreciative chuckle, as the text, besides being dated and making what are now esoteric allusions, is too laden with Barker product promotion. The pages are heavily toned, as to be expected with the cheap paper stock used. Small corner chip on cover. Light wear besides.
(Inventory #: 004931)