By: Various
PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI, VOLUME THE FIRST.
INTRODUCTION.
VOLUME I.--JULY TO DECEMBER, 1841. POLITICAL SUMMARY. Early in the month of July, 1841, a small handbill was freely distributed by the newsmen of London, and created considerable amusement and inquiry. That handbill now stands as the INTRODUCTION to this, the first Volume of _Punch_, and was employed to announce the advent of a publication which has sustained for nearly twenty years a popularity unsurpassed in the history of periodical literature. _Punch_ and the Elections were the only matters which occupied the public mind on July 17, 1842. The Whigs had been defeated in many places where hitherto they had been the popular party, and it was quite evident that the Meeting of Parliament would terminate their lease of Office. [STREET POLITICS.] The House met on the 19th of August, and unanimously elected MR. SHAW LEFEVRE to be Speaker. The add |
