The Gradual but Certain Road to Ruin

Abstract

The steps to ruin was a popular early image. The American Nathaniel Currier engraved an image of ‘The drunkard’s progress’ in 1846 which was developed in this illustration in The Teetotal Progressionist, 1852. This adds much more detail, including the gin shop on the left and the demonic brewing of alcohol in the centre.

“WE WON’T GO HOME TILL MORNING, TILL DAY-LIGHT DOES APPEAR”

STEP 1. – The first glass.
STEP 2. – A glass to keep the cold out.
STEP 3. – A glass too much.
STEP 4. – Drunk and riotous.
STEP 5. – The summit attained. Jolly companions A confirmed drunkard.
STEP 6. – Poverty and Disease.
STEP 7 – Forsaken by Friends.
STEP 8. – Desperation and crime.
STEP 9. – Despair and Death.

THE GRADUAL BUT CERTAIN ROAD TO RUIN.