Portly squires and young dandies. Jane Austenesqueheroines and their gruesome chaperones. Dashing young officers and corrupt politicians. The keenly observant satires by English caricaturistThomas Rowlandso (1757-1827) make clear his sharp eye for current affairs as well as his appreciation of the humour in everyday life. High Spirits brings together nearly one hundred comic works by Rowlandson,with subjects spanning the entire range of English society, including numerous satires of politics, and George III and his troublesome offspring. Full-colour illustrations are accompanied by details drawn from new archival research on both the works and their royal collectors, from George IV to QueenVictoria and Prince Albert.