Edward VII: A Play on the Past and Present by Samuel Beeton first edition 1876

[EDWARD VII]; BEETON, Samuel, DOWTY, Aglen A, JERROLD, Evelyn. Edward VII: A Play on the Past and Present Times. London, Weldon & Co., Wine Office Court, Fleet Street, 1876.
 
8vo. iv, 90pp plus publisher's advertisement leaves. Illustrated throughout with comic engraved caricatures and satirical scenes by "Whew". Original printed wrappers, lightly marked and creased with minor wear to spine and edges; internally sound and clean. A very good copy.
 
A satirical poke, here directed toward the future Edward VII. The annuals formed part of the flourishing market for inexpensive illustrated political humour produced around Fleet Street in the 1870s. Attribution remains uncertain, with Samuel Beeton and Aglen A. Dowty among the names associated with the series, alongside possible contributions from Evelyn Jerrold and other satirical writers. Survival in original pictorial wrappers is uncommon owing to the fragile nature of the publications.