Cruikshank's Water Colours

"Cruikshank's Water Colours" by William Harrison Ainsworth, is a collection of illustrated stories that bring Charles Dickens's "Oliver Twist" to life through vivid watercolour drawings from the early 20th century. These illustrations are full of energy and wit, perfectly capturing the spirit of Dickens's characters and the world they inhabit. The stories open by introducing George Cruikshank's artistic style and the historical moment in which these illustrations were made. The focus is on how special these watercolours are, showing them as important additions to the story of "Oliver Twist". The watercolors show London scenes from the 1700s, highlighting the differences between social classes, the tough lives in workhouses, and the struggles of orphans like Oliver. The text also mentions the Cruikshank's artistic contributions to Dickens's stories, proving his skills as an imaginative creator who brought these famous tales to the readers' eyes.