Looking for some political predictions from phrenologists? How about Victorian era investment advice? If you’re after some scathing commentary on 19th and 20th century society, look no further than the Punch Historical Archive! One hundred and fifty-one years of this legendary satirical magazine have been completely digitised and are now available at your fingertips!
Furniss, Harry. “An Undoubted Old Master.” Punch Historical Archive [London, England] 14 Jan. 1882: 14. Punch Historical Archive. Web.Spanning from the very first issue in 1841, all the way until the final issue in 1992, the database contains full colour scans of every issue.
“Public Affairs on Phrenological Principles.” Punch Historical Archive [London, England] 14 Aug. 1841: 57. Punch Historical Archive. Web.In addition to providing a comprehensive archive, the database also offers a collection of fascinating essays from leading scholars. For example, Dr Annie Grey has analysed the representations of food in Punch, while Professor Brian Maidment investigates early Victorian comics. Of particular interest may be Dr Mike Benbough-Jackson’s article exploring how Punch handled humour during the First World War.
2 thoughts on “Introducing the Punch Historical Archive!”
Loved this – Victorian/Edwardian periodical covers are a particular joy and not just because of the way modern sensibility can be layered on. They’re a social history in their own right.
Don’t forget you can also visit 18 Stafford Terrace the preserved former home of Punch artist Linley Sambourne in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea http://buff.ly/1d5m06K
rbkc libraries blog 
Loved this – Victorian/Edwardian periodical covers are a particular joy and not just because of the way modern sensibility can be layered on. They’re a social history in their own right.
LikeLike
Don’t forget you can also visit 18 Stafford Terrace the preserved former home of Punch artist Linley Sambourne in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea http://buff.ly/1d5m06K
LikeLike