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Punch Magazine published its first edition on 17th July, 1841. Subtitled \u2018the London Charivari\u2019, the weekly periodical aimed to carve a niche in the market with less crude and bawdy satire compared to its contemporaries.\xa0\nIts early days were challenging, with poor circulation and financial troubles. But, as it gained in popularity and influence, it contributed the modern use of the word "cartoon" to the English language - alongside some excellent examples of the form, thanks in large part to illustrator John Leech - before its downfall in the second half of the twentieth century.\nIn this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly explain how Punch innovated the idea of the Christmas annual; explore how they gave big breaks to the likes of John Betjeman, Sylvia Plath, and P.G. Wodehouse; and discover Mohammed Al-Fayed\u2019s attempts to turn the publication\u2019s fortunes around\u2026\xa0\nFurther Reading:\n\u2022 \u2018The first issue of Punch\u2019 (History Today, 2016): https://www.historytoday.com/archive/months-past/first-issue-punch\n\u2022 \u2018About Punch Magazine\u2019 (PUNCH Magazine Cartoon Archive): https://magazine.punch.co.uk/about/index\n\u2022\xa0\u2019Punch Magazine\u2019 (British Path\xe9, 1962): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ACJhyygIxU\n\n\nLove the show? Support us!\xa0\nJoin\xa0 \U0001f334CLUB RETROSPECTORS\U0001f334to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY\u2026\xa0\n\n\u2026 Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.\xa0\nJoin now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show \u2764\ufe0f\n\n\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices