Here at Balladeer’s Blog I’ve long made clear my fascination with the political humor magazine Puck (1871-1918). Puck political cartoons – especially from the covers – are still much sought-after and I own a few myself.
The magazine started out as a German language publication targeted at new arrivals from Europe and the cartoons stood out early on. There is no language barrier to satirical political cartoons, so even Americans who spoke no German could follow the editorial drift of those humorous illustrations. In 1877 Puck began publishing both English AND German language editions.
Here’s a cartoon from its pro-Theodore Roosevelt heyday depicting the wildly different opinions of the bombastic, “rock the boat of political corruption” Teddy Roosevelt. President Trump is a lot like T.R. and his cousin F.D.R. – hated by corrupt career politicians but loved by the working class and the poor. Like Trump, Theodore Roosevelt was at odds with the loathsome Republican Party establishment – think of vermin like Mitt Romney and the Bush Family.
Finally the paper shortage during World War One brought about the end of this iconoclastic magazine.
As a pop culture reference, the building which housed the magazine’s New York offices is still known as the Puck Building and was where Grace worked on Will & Grace. The statue of the magazine’s mascot Puck is usually featured in exterior shots establishing the location.
Fantabulous read. Thankee.
Thank you for the comment!
Great stuff you write. I’m about 150 pages into the book. Harry has gone over the Chilcoot Pass and is on his way to Circle City where he will meet Swiftwater Bill and Tex Rickard for the first time. He will meet Wyatt Earp in Nome in the next few chapters. After he goes back to Iowa, he will be selling liquor on the Mississippi during prohibition. He had dealings with W W Wilmerton, a business associate of John Looney, gangster of Rock Island and main character in Road to Perdition.
Thank you. That is fantastic stuff! He’s almost like a real-life Harry Flashman, except not as amoral and ruthless.
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President Trump is a great man being persecuted by criminals.
I agree.
President Trump is one of the giants of history.
I agree.
President Trump is a great man who showed the world how crooked your country’s political parties are.
You said it!
President Trump is one of the best of the presidents ever.
I agree.