The Works of William Hogarth: In a Series of Engravings With Descriptions, and a Comment on Their Moral Tendency

"The Works of William Hogarth: In a Series of Engravings" by John Trusler is a collection of art and moral analysis focused on the work of William Hogarth. It starts with an overview of Hogarth's life, from his humble beginnings and training as a silversmith to his development as a talented artist. It then moves into anecdotes about Hogarth's early career struggles, eventual marriage, and the life experiences that shaped his art. Particular importance is placed on Hogarth's use of humor and social observation to depict 18th-century life with moral instruction, preparing the reader for explorations of significant engraving series like "The Harlot’s Progress" and "The Rake’s Progress," both of which offer cautionary stories about the dangers of immoral actions. Each chapter aims to explain the details of Hogarth's visual narratives, revealing the social ideas that are still relevant now.