The Wasp — January 1880 — page 11: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* contains serialized fiction rather than political cartoons. The visible content includes: **"Phases of History Not Generally Given in Detail"** — Part XI, a satirical narrative by Salmi Morse about Mr. Perkins Western Briggs and his theatrical endeavors. The piece mocks Victorian-era theater, describing Briggs's attempts to maintain a "Wild West of Illinois" pantomime despite various mishaps and his cast's incompetence. Below that are story titles: **"Old Mother Pickle, Her Pinch and Her Tickle"** and **"The Palace of the Island of Gold!!"** This appears to be primarily a literary/fiction page rather than visual satire, focusing on humorous serialized stories that were typical *Wasp* content. The satire operates through narrative rather than illustration.