The Gin Shop 1

Abstract

Printed in the children’s magazine The Band of Hope Review over three monthly issues in 1868, George Cruikshank presents his cautionary tale as a parody of the rhyme ‘This is the House that Jack built.’ The Gin Shop is a good example of the ‘Road to Ruin’ pattern which ends happily, due to an intervention and the signing of a pledge.

The Gin-Shop.
With Twelve Original Illustrations by George Cruikshank

No. 1.
This is the Gin-shop all glittering and gay.

The Angel
Christmas Gin
Double L Whisky
Spirit Stores

No. 2.
These are the Drinks that are sold night and day,
At the bar of the Gin-shop, so glittering and gay.

Grapes destroyed to make Wines & Spirits
Luncheon Bar
Port, Gin, Brandy, Whisky, Rum, Sherry
Porter, Ale, Stout
Wheat destroyed to make Gin
Barley destroyed to make Beer
Strycknine
Oil of Turpentine
Grains of Paradise
Cocutus Indicus
Nox comica

No. 3.
These are the Customers, youthful and old,
That drink the strong drinks which are sold night and day
At the bar of the Gin-shop, so glittering and gay.

No. 4.
This is the landlord who coins his bright gold,
Out of the ruin of youthful and old,
Who drink the strong liquors he sells night and day,
At the bar of the Gin-shop, so glittering and gay.