A review by bazayas
Uproar! by Alice Loxton

funny informative lighthearted slow-paced

3.5

This is the origin of political cartoons through the rise and fall of the caricaturists during the late 18th century and early 19th century. From young men in strict art schools to freewheeling artists who had fans gathering at the print shop windows to see the latest—the caricaturists cut all politicians down to size, even inventing the myth that Napoleon was short. 

This book is about as weird as the cartoons it’s about. I could see this as a comedic period piece about these artists—it has all the components: young rebels, dash of romance, political intrigue, bonds of friendship, tragedy. Loxton is a historian with a sense of humor on her Instagram as well, and she’s able to tell this story without getting too bogged down by the politics. This is the real world behind the reign of George III and Queen Charlotte! The rich were ridiculous and the regular folks were starting to see how unfair the social system was—and they had the talent to put them to task via absurd art. 

CW/TW:

fatphobia; stigma against mental illness; sexism; alcoholism; death

For fans of:

the historical world of Bridgerton and Austen; art history; political satire