This 1897 Puck cover turns a Fourth of July celebration into a visual complaint. Louis M. Dalrymple’s Uncle Sam struggles to light a rocket labeled “Prosperity,” while dark storm clouds marked “Tariff for Trusts” gather overhead. The scene suggests a holiday weighed down by economic policy rather than lifted by it.
The satire is blunt and symbolic. National optimism sputters as protection and monopoly overshadow public benefit. By staging celebration under threatening skies, Puck frames prosperity as something promised but difficult to launch—especially when burdened by the interests it is meant to restrain.
Casewrap sewn binding | Vibrant, crisp vintage tones | Ruled | 5x7 in.
This 1897 Puck cover turns a Fourth of July celebration into a visual complaint. Louis M. Dalrymple’s Uncle Sam struggles to light a rocket labeled “Prosperity,” while dark storm clouds marked “Tariff for Trusts” gather overhead. The scene suggests a holiday weighed down by economic policy rather than lifted by it.
The satire is blunt and symbolic. National optimism sputters as protection and monopoly overshadow public benefit. By staging celebration under threatening skies, Puck frames prosperity as something promised but difficult to launch—especially when burdened by the interests it is meant to restrain.
Casewrap sewn binding | Vibrant, crisp vintage tones | Ruled | 5x7 in.
