by Arthur Prager
The author's subtitle is clearer: "An Informal History of Punch," the 138-year-old British humor magazine. The title comes from a poem Thackeray wrote about the hallowed, initial-carved dining table in the editorial offices, over which generations of artists and wits have traded insults and inspiration. A reader need never have seen a copy of Punch to enjoy this plum-packed pudding. The cartoons—many adorn this collection—have improved enormously over the years, and the humor has long been far racier than that found in most American magazines. (Hawthorn, $15)
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