George Cruikshank   By: William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863)

In George Cruikshank, William Makepeace Thackeray delves into the remarkable life and works of one of the most influential and prolific artists of his time. Thackeray’s expertly crafted biography takes readers on a journey through the life of George Cruikshank, exploring both his personal experiences and his artistic accomplishments.

From the outset, Thackeray establishes himself as a thorough and meticulous researcher, as evident in his comprehensive accounts of Cruikshank's childhood, family life, and early artistic endeavors. The author brings to life the world of 19th-century London, providing vivid descriptions of the social and political climate that greatly influenced Cruikshank's artistic development.

Thackeray’s writing style is engaging and fluid, effortlessly guiding readers through a multitude of anecdotes and episodes from Cruikshank's life. He effectively portrays Cruikshank as a complex character, delving into his successes, struggles, and contradictions. Thackeray’s deep understanding of his subject allows readers to grasp the artist’s multifaceted personality and his relentless pursuit of social justice, as well as his occasional inconsistencies.

The book also highlights Cruikshank's wide-ranging artistic contributions, from his early work as an illustrator of Charles Dickens' novels to his groundbreaking role in shaping the world of caricature and social satire. Through meticulous analysis and numerous illustrations, Thackeray paints a vivid picture of Cruikshank's artistic style, demonstrating his ability to tackle serious social issues with both wit and creativity.

While Thackeray’s admiration for Cruikshank shines through his writing, he remains objective and critical where necessary. The biography addresses controversial aspects of Cruikshank's personal and professional life, such as his later turn towards more conservative views, without attempting to whitewash or condemn the artist.

One of the book's strengths lies in its inclusion of a considerable number of Cruikshank's illustrations, providing readers with a visual narrative that complements Thackeray's prose. The careful selection and placement of these images effectively enhance the understanding of Cruikshank's art, allowing readers to fully appreciate his creative genius and revolutionary impact on the world of illustration.

George Cruikshank is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and works of this iconic artist. Thackeray's engaging storytelling, meticulous research, and deep understanding of the subject make this biography an enjoyable and enlightening read. Through its pages, readers will gain a comprehensive insight into the life, career, and enduring legacy of George Cruikshank, capturing the essence of a man who left an indelible mark on the world of art.

First Page:

Accusations of ingratitude, and just accusations no doubt, are made against every inhabitant of this wicked world, and the fact is, that a man who is ceaselessly engaged in its trouble and turmoil, borne hither and thither upon the fierce waves of the crowd, bustling, shifting, struggling to keep himself somewhat above water fighting for reputation, or more likely for bread, and ceaselessly occupied to day with plans for appeasing the eternal appetite of inevitable hunger to morrow a man in such straits has hardly time to think of anything but himself, and, as in a sinking ship, must make his own rush for the boats, and fight, struggle, and trample for safety. In the midst of such a combat as this, the "ingenious arts, which prevent the ferocity of the manners, and act upon them as an emollient" (as the philosophic bard remarks in the Latin Grammar) are likely to be jostled to death, and then forgotten. The world will allow no such compromises between it and that which does not belong to it no two gods must we serve; but (as one has seen in some old portraits) the horrible glazed eyes of Necessity are always fixed upon you; fly away as you will, black Care sits behind you, and with his ceaseless gloomy croaking drowns the voice of all more cheerful companions... Continue reading book >>