seem to be prominent characteristics of his productions, while a
fountain of the richest wit supplies his pen with humor, and its waters
sparkle and glimmer like diamonds upon the paper, as he traces thereon
his description of objects in his undisputably original style. His jokes
are always clear and perceptible, and his satire, pointed and keen,
invariably strikes home.
As laughter is conducive to health, and as nothing is learned so easily
and remembered so tenaciously as that with which something pleasant is
connected, this volume will prove doubly advantageous, as it consists of
matter in which wit and wisdom are so equally mingled, that the reader
will rise from its perusal undecided whether he has gained most by its
reading, bodily health, or general knowledge.
Thousands are eager to place upon their tables and in their libraries a
volume which will be a fair specimen of the writings of this great
American humorist, and the publishers of this book take great pleasure
in being able to offer them an opportunity to gratify so laudable a
desire.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
THE COMPLETE WORKS
OF
JOSH BILLINGS,
(HENRY W. SHAW.)
WITH ONE HUNDRED ILLUSTRATIONS
BY THOMAS NAST AND OTHERS,
AND
A BIOGRAPHICAL INTRODUCTION.
REVISED EDITION.
NEW YORK:
G. W. DILLINGHAM CO., Publishers.
MDCCCXCIX.
COPYRIGHT, 1876, BY
G. W. CARLETON & CO.
_Josh Billings._
TO
FRANCIS S. STREET, and FRANCIS S. SMITH
[EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS
OF
"THE NEW YORK WEEKLY."]
MY PATRONS AND FRIENDS,
THIS BOOK
IS
DEDICATED.