⁂ The “Comic Almanacks” of George Cruikshank have long been regarded by admirers of this inimitable artist as among his finest, most characteristic productions. Extending over a period of nineteen years, from 1835 to 1853, inclusive, they embrace the best period of his artistic career, and show the varied excellences of his marvellous power. The late Mr. Tilt, of Fleet Street, first conceived the idea of the “Comic Almanack,” and at various times there were engaged upon it such writers as Thackeray, Albert Smith, the Brothers Mayhew, the late Robert Brough, Gilbert A’Beckett, and, it has been asserted, Tom Hood the elder. Thackeray’s stories of “Stubbs’ Calendar; or, The Fatal Boots,” which subsequently appeared as “Stubbs’ Diary;” and “Barber Cox; or, The Cutting of his Comb,” formed the leading attractions in the numbers for 1839 and 1840.
THE BEST GUIDE TO HERALDRY.
Cussans’ Handbook of Heraldry; with Instructions for Tracing Pedigrees and Deciphering Ancient MSS.; also, Rules for the Appointment of Liveries, &c, &c By John E. Cussans. Illustrated with 360 Plates and Woodcuts. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, gilt and emblazoned, 7s. 6d.
⁂ This volume, beautifully printed on toned paper, contains not only the ordinary matter to be found in the best books on the science of Armory, but several other subjects hitherto unnoticed. Amongst these may be mentioned:—1. Directions for Tracing Pedigrees. 2. Deciphering Ancient MSS., illustrated by Alphabets and Facsimiles. 3. The Appointment of Liveries. 4. Continental and American Heraldry, &c.
NEW AND IMPORTANT WORK.
Cyclopædia of Costume; or, A Dictionary of Dress, Regal, Ecclesiastical, Civil, and Military, from the Earliest Period in England to the reign of George the Third. Including Notices of Contemporaneous Fashions on the Continent, and preceded by a General History of the Costume of the Principal Countries of Europe. By J. R. Planché, F.S.A., Somerset Herald.