Gillray Observed: The Earliest Account of his Caricatures in London und Paris

Description

One of England's most famous caricaturists, James Gillray, was an immensely successful and popular artist, yet there were no accounts of his work published in England during his lifetime. The single contemporary source on Gillray is a series of commentaries published in the German journal London und Paris between 1798 and 1806. Christine Banerji and Diana Donald have translated and edited selected commentaries, with accompanying illustrations, to reveal how Gillray's art was understood by his contemporaries. The edition offers a unique insight into the role of satire in British politics during the Napoleonic era and shows the subtle artistry of Gillray's designs. The volume also includes an informative introduction which places Gillray and his work in the context of a fascinating episode in Anglo-German relations at the turn of the eighteenth century.

"...a welcome addition to European cultural scholarship...Gillray Observed provides a fine example of croww-cultural and cross-disciplinary research, something which is often lauded but rarely practiced. With its meticulous research and thoughtful editing, Gillray Observed sets a high standard in European cultural scholarship. This book deserves to be read and emulated." European Romantic Review "An invaluable additon to knowledge of Gillray's work and the place satirical prints in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Highly recommended." Choice