Chap-books of the Eighteenth Century / With Facsimiles, Notes, and Introduction

Name: Chap-books of the Eighteenth Century / With Facsimiles, Notes, and Introduction
Author: John Ashton

By John Ashton

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About This Book

An editor collects facsimiles and annotations of eighteenth-century chap-books, reproducing characteristic woodcuts and short texts alongside an introduction that outlines their production, formats, and distribution by pedlars. The commentary surveys typical contents—ballads, religious tracts, wonder tales, and cheap news—addresses cataloguing and dating difficulties, and considers readership and market dynamics among rural and urban lower classes, concluding with observations on the genre's decline around the century's end.

About the Author

John Ashton

John Ashton was a notable English author and historian, recognized for his contributions to literature focusing on social history and cultural commentary. His works often explore the nuances of English life, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Among his key publications is "A Righte Merrie Christmasse: The Story of Christ-Tide," which delves into the traditions and celebrations of Christmas. Ashton also authored "A History of English Lotteries," providing insights into the social implications of gambling in England. His writings, including "English Caricature and Satire on Napoleon I," reflect a keen interest in satire and the societal issues of his time.