The Wasp — 1881 — page 212: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* is primarily literary rather than cartoonal. It contains "Our Own Poets"—a section featuring three poems by named authors (Cornelius O'Connor, Isaac S. Kalisch, and Van Schaick) alongside literary criticism and book reviews. The page includes commentary on contemporary publications like *The London Athenaeum* and discusses works by authors including Henry James and Charles Dickens. There's also gossip about California literary figures and upcoming publications. The satirical element appears subtle here—the "Our Own Poets" introduction jokingly claims to protect overlooked poetic talent from "envious and inconsiderate editors," suggesting *The Wasp* positions itself as a champion of underappreciated writers. The page functions primarily as a literary journal section rather than as political satire.