The Works Of William Hogarth: In A Series Of Engravings, With Descriptions And A Comment On Their Moral Tendency

by William Hogarth, John Trusler (Editor)

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

William Hogarth (10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, printmaker, pictorial satirist, social critic, and editorial cartoonist who has been credited with pioneering western sequential art.

His work ranged from realistic portraiture to comic strip-like series of pictures called "modern moral subjects". Knowledge of his work is so pervasive that satirical political illustrations in this style are often referred to as "Hogarthian".

Reviews

[Laura McGaha · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Hogarth was an 18th century political satirist with THOUGHTS. From his morality engravings that warn about the evils of alcohol (BEER STREET and GIN LANE), adultery (MARRIAGE-A-LA-MODE, THE RAKE'S PROGRESS, THE HARLOT'S PROGRESS), or laziness (INDUSTRY AND IDLENESS), to works of art that poke fun at politics of the day (THE ELECTION, etc.), Hogarth would fit right in with today's late night talk shows and political cartoons/commentators.

It took me all year to finish this book because I would Google each plate discussed for further synopses. The detail of Hogarth's engravings and art - with hidden Easter eggs tweaking political figures, ideas, and customs of the day - is simply amazing.