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The Scourge, or Monthly Expositor of Imposture and Folly. London: J. Jones [later W.N. Jones, final year James Johnston], 1811-16. First edition. Eleven volumes (I-XI) of XII, containing 66 parts (of 72), three-quarters tan calf, all edges yellow. 8 5/8 x 5 1/2 inches (22 x 14 cm); various paginations, with 61 (of 66) folding hand-colored engraved plates by George Cruikshank, Samuel de Wilde and others. N.B. lacking the plates for September and October 1812 and for March, April and June of 1815. Spines a bit faded, light wear, some joints strained or rubbed, internally some folds repaired or reinforced on the plates, but overall an attractive set, though lacking all ads. Sold as a periodical, not subject to return.

Published at monthly intervals, this entertaining (and sometimes scandalous) journal contains some of Cruikshank's finest large-format early caricatures, as well as some by other hands. Initially the journal targeted patent and quack medicines, the impositions of apothecaries etc. One especially topical article is a purported debuking of vaccination--plus ça change! Cohn 732