“Mr. Punch etched by George Cruikshank. From the original miniature in the possession of the publisher."

George Cruikshank

“Mr. Punch etched by George Cruikshank. From the original miniature in the possession of the publisher."

London

Printed for S. Prowett, 55, Pall Mall

1828

Hand-colored frontispiece

Twenty-four etched plates including frontispiece, in two states, colored and uncolored. First edition, first issue, plus four woodcuts in text and title page vignette. This beloved puppet play first appeared in England in 1662. It was performed throughout England for many years by an ancient puppeteer, Piccini. This is the play’s first publication, recorded by Collier directly from a specially commissioned performance by Piccini, with Cruikshank making his drawings while watching the play as well.

Source: Punch and Judy. With Illustrations Designed and Engraved by George Cruikshank. Accompanied by the Dialogue of the Puppet Show, an Account of its Origin, and of Puppet Plays in England. [By John Payne Collier]

From the collection of Josephine Lea Iselin.