The Rise of Victorian Caricature

“Haywood unpacks the amazingly complicated and inventive imagery, shared by words and pictures in the 1830s and purposed by the radical press to expose the myths of a united nation. … Haywood’s and Maidment’s books are seriously and importantly relevant to any reconsideration of Dickens’s work through the 1830s and 1840s.” (Robert L. Patten, The Dickensian, Vol. 117 (515), Winter, 2021)

“Ian Haywood’s The Rise of Victorian Caricature is a book that takes caricature seriously as having played a variety of important cultural and political roles in the 1830s. … A comparison between the visual cultures associated with the three Reform Acts would make for fascinating reading and viewing.” (Dominic Janes, Victorian Studies, Vol. 64 (1), 2021)

“In this impressive volume of visual, cultural, and social history, Haywood captures the sense of urgency and emotive responses to the politics of the day, while his carefully chosen illustrations introduce readers to the broader themes of class, antigovernment, and pro-Chartist ideology.” (Rose Roberto, BAVS Newsletter, 2021)

“Haywood’s detailed analysis, subtle points regarding social class distinctions, and numerous examples of broadsheets and their caricatures all render this book at once wide-ranging and specific. The Rise of Victorian Caricature represents a valuable contribution to studies of visual and print culture and an indispensable resource for research into the history of political caricature in Victorian periodicals.” (Jo Devereux, Victorian Periodicals Review, Vol. 53 (3), 2020)

“Besides illuminating caricature, this book enriches our understanding of so many other key fields that it should be required reading in British history courses. … [Haywood] sheds a volume of new light on the evolving class system. … Along with the highest quality of reproduction and all the work required to gain rights and permissions, this wealth of illustrative material should be applauded.” (Richard Scully, Review19, nbol-19.org, October 17, 2020)