Representations of France in English Satirical Prints 1740–1832

Between 1740 and 1832, England witnessed what has been called its 'golden age of caricature', coinciding with intense rivalry and with war with France. This book shows how Georgian satirical prints reveal attitudes towards the French 'Other' that were far more complex, ambivalent, empathetic and multifaceted than has previously been recognised. Between 1740 and 1832, England witnessed what has become known as its 'golden age of caricature'. This coincided with an era of dramatic social and political change both at home and abroad. In this period of intense international war and rivalry, Britain's relationship with France proved particularly turbulent, leading to suggestions that its national culture and identity was defined by its 'Francophobia'. Though they are often employed as shorthand evidence of hostility towards France, under closer scrutiny Georgian satirical prints reveal attitudes towards the French 'Other' that were far more complex, ambivalent, empathetic and multifaceted than has previously been recognised. At the same time, print satires purportedly dealing with French subjects were often commenting pointedly on British politics, society or culture, often in ways which revealed cultural insecurity rather than confident national superiority "Between 1740 and 1832, England witnessed what has become known as its 'golden age of caricature'. This coincided with an era of dramatic social and political change both at home and abroad. In this period of intense international war and rivalry, Britain's relationship with France proved particularly turbulent, leading to suggestions that its national culture and identity was defined by its 'Francophobia'. Though they are often employed as shorthand evidence of hostility towards France, under closer scrutiny Georgian satirical prints reveal attitudes towards the French 'Other' that were far more complex, ambivalent, empathetic and multifaceted than has previously been recognised. At the same time, print satires purportedly dealing with French subjects were often commenting pointedly on British politics, society or culture, often in ways which revealed cultural insecurity rather than confident national superiority"-- Provided by publisher Front Matter....Pages i-xii Studying Satirical Prints....Pages 1-24 Food, Fashion and the French....Pages 25-50 Kings and Leaders....Pages 51-114 War (and Peace)....Pages 115-150 Revolution....Pages 151-176 Women and Other ‘Others’....Pages 177-206 Conclusion....Pages 207-214 Back Matter....Pages 215-261