It was a natural thought, then, for a modern humorist,--using the pencil and etching point as his means of expression,--a man whose competence to appreciate and illustrate the arch-humorist, Shakspeare, will scarcely be disputed--to propose to himself a series of pictures embodying the most prominent events in the imaginary career of Shakspeare’s most humorous character--in which the illusion intended by the dramatist should be carried out by an attention to chronological and archaeological probability of detail, in a pictorial sense, corresponding to the marvellous fidelity of historic local colour, which, surrounding the movements of Sir John Falstaff in the Shakspearian dramas, will continue (in spite of all material proof whatever) to bring the veracious records of English history during the fifteenth century into disrepute and suspicion--from the fact of their omitting all mention of Sir John Falstaff’s name and achievements. This design Mr. George Cruikshank has carried out in a series of etchings which forms the essential part of the volume now offered to the public,--with what success, it would not become the present writer--his friend and colleague--to dilate upon. It may be stated, fairly, that no pains have been spared by the artist to make his work conscientiously complete. Every locality indicated by the poet has been carefully studied either from personal observation or reference to the most authentic records--(take, for example, the views of Shrewsbury and Coventry as they appeared in the fifteenth century and the tall spire of “Paul’s” before it was struck by lightning). The costumes, weapons, furniture, &c., are from the best available authorities. Had Sir John Falstaff really lived (as it must remain a matter of impossibility to persuade the majority of mankind he did not), and gone through the various experiences imagined for him by Shakspeare, it may be very safely assumed that an eye-witness of all or any of them would have observed a series of scenes very closely resembling the designs which accompany these pages.