Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, July 19, 1890

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

11919

Title

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, July 19, 1890

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A satirical collection of essays, cartoons, and advertisements from the late Victorian era. This volume features the iconic 'Baron' reviewing Oscar Wilde's 'Dorian Gray,' mocking the 'Whirlwind' newspaper, and offering humorous advice on everything from military training to marriage. With its witty commentary on politics, society, and the arts, it captures the irreverent spirit of its time.

Summary up to 500 words

Published on July 19, 1890, *Punch, or the London Charivari*, Volume 99, edited by F. C. Burnand, stands as a quintessential collection of late Victorian satire. The volume is primarily voiced by the recurring character 'The Baron,' who delivers biting critiques of contemporary culture, literature, and politics. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to a scathing review of Oscar Wilde's *The Picture of Dorian Gray*. The Baron dismisses the novel as a 'poisonous' work that fails artistically despite its sensational premise. He criticizes Wilde's style as overly decorative and 'Lyttonerary,' arguing that the author has 'shot wide' of true art by prioritizing sensuous detail over ethical or aesthetic perfection. The volume also features a series of absurd advertisements, including one seeking a 'good sound Whipping' for a spoiled ten-year-old boy and another offering colonial emigration to a dangerous, undeveloped region in West-Torrida, mocking the era's social hypocrisies and economic anxieties. Political satire dominates the latter half of the volume, most notably in a chaotic depiction of 'Strike Fever.' In this farcical sequence, police, judges, clergy, government officials, and even railway directors go on strike, leading to the complete collapse of society. The text further mocks the Royal Opera with a diary of performances amidst political unrest and includes a fable about a 'Lying Spirit' that incites violence and anarchy, warning against the dangers of civic violence and false promises of gain. The piece concludes with a dictionary of social phrases designed to expose the insincerity of polite conversation and a farcical play about a disciplined yet incompetent military company. Throughout, the tone remains one of playful mockery, utilizing exaggeration and caricature to critique the hypocrisies, artistic pretensions, and political instability of the era.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Essays
• Humor