Cynicus (Martin Anderson); Cynicus - His Humour and Satire, 1894

Cynicus, the pen name of Martin Anderson, was a Scottish artist, political and satirical cartoonist, postcard illustrator and publisher. Born in 1854, the son a a railway station master from Leuchars in Fife, Scotland, he died in 1932.

In the 1890s he enjoyed considerable success from his shop in Drury Lane, from which he published his works. His business, The Cynicus Publishing Company, also enjoyed popularity during the boom in picture postcard sales after the British Post Office allowed their use in the mail.

He moved to Edinburgh in 1915 where he ran a shop which was later destroyed by fire in 1924. He then retired to 'Castle Cynicus' in Balmullo in Fife. His work often highlighted the grotesque disparity between the lives of the wealthy and the ordinary citizen.

We have acquired a small collection of a number of Cynicus publications which we offer for sale here.

Here we have Cynicus - His Humour and Satire, published by The Cynicus Publishing Co, Drury Lane, London, and Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co. 1894. This is a compilation of selections from previously published works. Appears to be an uncommon volume.

A good softback with a printed tipped on cover design which is hand tinted in the manner of his previous first editions. Cover is worn, soiled and marked with small nibbled losses to extremities.

Text is good throughout and is generally bright and clear. Occasional finger mark. Appears to be missing a first free endpaper or half title page? Some showthrough to guttering.

Text in English.

Weight approximately 214g (unpacked). 

96pp.

Approx Dimensions: 

Approximately 195mm high x 138mm wide 10mm deep.