James Gillray: life of the week

Alice Loxton, host of new HistoryExtra Academy series The World of the Georgians, explores the life and work of James Gillray, the brilliant Georgian satirist whose cartoons skewered politicians, royalty and Napoleon himself

Published: February 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Save

James Gillray was one of Georgian Britain’s most ruthless satirists, using his prints to mock kings, politicians and generals, turning politics into popular entertainment. From the print shops of London, he reduced figures such as Napoleon to objects of ridicule while capturing the humour and anxieties of an age shaped by revolution and war. Historian Alice Loxton speaks to Rachel Dinning about Gillray’s world, the crucial role of his publisher Hannah Humphrey, and why his imagery still underpins modern political cartoons.

Ad

Alice also hosts HistoryExtra Academy’s The World of the Georgians, which explores Gillray’s art and what it reveals about Georgian society. Go beyond the podcast.

Authors

Rachel DinningDigital editor (engagement and video)

Rachel Dinning is digital editor (engagement and video) at HistoryExtra

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...