The Comic History of England

London: Bradbury & Evans / Punch Office, 1848. First Edition, First Issue. Original wraps. Near fine. The first issue of The Comic History of England by Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett, the complete twenty-part serialization for Punch Magazine.. Octavo, [twenty issues]. Publisher's original blue paper wraps with title printed on cover. All in near fine condition, with some light wear and occasional toning along edges. Includes monthly issues from July - December 1846, January - December 1847, and February 1848; nineteen volumes in total. The final two of the twenty parts were issued together in the February copy. Each issue includes a hand-colored frontispiece illustrated by John Leech, all with protective tissue covers, and hundreds of in-text woodcuts. (Tooley, 296) (Abbey Life, 434) Housed in a custom three-quarter black morocco slipcase, dark green pebbled cloth boards, title in gilt on spine. "Punch" was a British monthly magazine known for its sharp political satire, humor, and caricatures, first published in 1841. It became a leading source of social commentary, influencing public opinion and reflecting the cultural and political climate of Victorian England through its witty cartoons and written articles.