“Points of Humour” - Illustrated by the Designs of George Cruikshank

This copy of Points of Humour; Illustrated by the Designs of George Cruikshank, (Parts I and II) combines Part I, originally published in 1823, and Part II, originally published in 1824, into a single volume. The book was published in London by C. Baldwyn, Newgate Street, and printed by D. S. Maurice, Fenchurch Street. The book, which measures approximately 6 inches wide by 9 ¾ inches tall by ¾ inches thick, contains 47 numbered pages of text and 10 un-numbered pages of Cruikshank colored plates in Part I and 56 pages of text and 10 un-numbered pages of Cruikshank colored plates illustrations in Part II. The book is hard bound in ¾ brown morocco with marbled sides and gilt printing on the spine and gilt top edges of the pages. The end papers are marbleized and a previous owner (Harry Walter Cholmley)'s bookplate is attached to the inside front cover. The pages are slightly tanned, with occasional foxing. The overall condition of the book is very good.

The aim of the book, as written in the Preface of Part I, reads "It will be readily perceived that the literary part of this work is of humble pretensions. One object alone has been aimed at and it is hoped with success – to select or to invent those incidents which might be interesting or amusing in themselves, while they offered scope for the peculiar talents of the artist who adorns them with his designs…". We therefore have Part I with ten Points, or short humorous tales, with an accompanying Cruikshank colored illustration for each Point, and Part II with an additional ten Points, or short humorous tales, each with an accompanying Cruikshank colored illustration.

The illustrations accompanying this description show the book's covers, the Title page of Part I of the book, a 2-page spread of a Part I Point text and colored plate, the Title page of Part II of the book, and a 2-page spread of a Part II Point text and colored plate.

George Cruikshank (27 September 1792 – 1 February 1878) was a British caricaturist and book illustrator, praised as the "modern Hogarth" during his life. His book illustrations for his friend, Charles Dickens, and many other authors, reached an international audience. [Wikipedia]