LEECH (John, 1817-1864, Punch Cartoonist & Illustrator)

Autograph Letter Signed to “My dear Sir”, T. Eyre saying that “at last I beg to return the 2 Vol; (Mexico) you were so kind as to lend me, and but that you have so often forbade any apology would again attempt to excuse myself for having kept them so long. I don’t think I ever committed a work with more satisfaction and may I say advantage... in respect of some particulars which made them exceedingly apropos. My avocations however afford me but little time to read consecutively and the entire perusal of the work have been interrupted by long intervals. Pray allow of this in excuse...”, with a long postscript asking him to “do me the great kindness, in your next ‘Punch’ dispatches for Mexico... considered one of my... happiest efforts, & is not the worst idea for revolutionary principles introduced at Home...”, 4 sides 8vo., 1 Vale Place, Hammersmith, 4th November

Leech was best known for his work for Punch, a humorous magazine for a broad middle-class audience, combining verbal and graphic political satire with light social comedy. Leech catered to contemporary prejudices, such as anti-Americanism and antisemitism and supported acceptable social reforms. Leech's critical yet humorous cartoons on the Crimean War helped shape public attitudes toward heroism, warfare, and Britons' role in the world. Leech also enjoyed fame as the first illustrator of Charles Dickens' 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. He was furthermore a pioneer in comics, creating the recurring character Mr. Briggs and some sequential illustrated gags.

Item Date:  1848

Stock No:  42188      £275

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