Cruikshank, George

George Cruikshank, an artist known for his illustrations, published a pamphlet in 1872 titled "Artist and the Author." In this work, he asserted his authorship of several novels that were officially credited to W. Harrison Ainsworth. Cruikshank's claims emerged after a dispute with John Forster, who had contradicted Cruikshank's assertion of originating Charles Dickens's "Oliver Twist." Following Forster's refutation, Cruikshank escalated his claims, particularly concerning Ainsworth's works, in a public exchange in The Times newspaper. When the newspaper ceased publishing the debate, Cruikshank compiled his arguments in his pamphlet, disputing his relationship with eight of Ainsworth's novels.

The roots of Cruikshank's claims lay in his extensive collaboration with Ainsworth as an illustrator. He provided illustrations for Ainsworth's novels published in "The Bentley's Miscellany" and "Ainsworth's Magazine," and also illustrated works for Dickens, including "Sketches by Boz" and "Oliver Twist." Ainsworth had introduced Cruikshank to Dickens. The close working relationship between Ainsworth and Cruikshank led to some contemporary observations, such as a review in the "Athenaeum" questioning whether the illustrations were made for the book or vice versa, and William Makepeace Thackeray suggesting Cruikshank "really created the tale" of "Jack Sheppard," with Ainsworth merely adding words. Decades later, these observations may have influenced Cruikshank's belief in his own originality.

George Cruikshank's public dispute regarding the authorship of novels primarily attributed to W. Harrison Ainsworth culminated in his 1872 pamphlet, "Artist and the Author." This conflict began in the late 1860s when Cruikshank started to claim credit for works by other authors, including Charles Dickens and Ainsworth. After John Forster disputed Cruikshank's assertion that he had "originated" Dickens's "Oliver Twist," Cruikshank initiated a public argument in "The Times," claiming to be the creator of novels written by Ainsworth. When "The Times" stopped printing the correspondence, Cruikshank published his claims in "Artist and the Author," where he detailed his alleged role in the creation of eight of Ainsworth's novels.

Cruikshank's assertions stemmed from his deep involvement as an illustrator for W. Harrison Ainsworth's popular novels. He worked on Ainsworth's "Windsor Castle" and became the primary illustrator for "Ainsworth's Magazine." Cruikshank also illustrated works for Charles Dickens, including "Oliver Twist." Ainsworth himself introduced Cruikshank to Dickens, facilitating these collaborations. The close artistic partnership led to discussions about the balance of influence, with some critics suggesting that Cruikshank's illustrations were so integral that the book might have been written to accompany them. William Makepeace Thackeray even posited that Cruikshank had effectively "created the tale" of "Jack Sheppard," with Ainsworth providing only the text. These sentiments, expressed decades earlier, may have fueled Cruikshank's later belief that he was the true originator of these narrative works.

Following the cessation of his public debate in "The Times," George Cruikshank published his pamphlet, "Artist and the Author." This work served as his platform to "prove" that W. Harrison Ainsworth was mistaken about the origin of novels like "The Miser's Daughter" and "The Tower of London." Cruikshank stated that he felt compelled to defend himself and present his version of events, asserting that Ainsworth was either deluded or had memory issues. Cruikshank detailed how, since the publication of these works, he had always privately maintained that the initial concepts and characters originated from him. He specifically referenced an article in "The Illustrated Review" that listed eight of Ainsworth's novels without mentioning his contribution as an illustrator, which he found both ungenerous and unjust. The pamphlet aimed to establish his claim as the originator, particularly after seeing characters and scenes he believed were his own creation depicted in a stage adaptation of "The Miser's Daughter."

“it is stated that Mr. W. Harrison Ainsworth's novel of The Miser's Daughter had been dramatised by Mr. Andrew Halliday, and produced at the Adelphi Theatre, and as my name is not mentioned in any way in connection with the novel—not even as the illustrator—I shall feel greatly obliged if you allow me to inform the public through the medium of your columns of the fact (which all my private friends are aware of) that this tale of The Miser's Daughter originated from me, and not from Mr. Ainsworth.”

“My idea suggested to that gentleman was to write a story in which the principal character should be a miser, who had a daughter, and that the struggles of feeling between the love for his child and his love of money, should produce certain effects and results; and as all my ancestors were mixed up in the Rebellion of '45, I suggested that the story should be of that date, in order that I might introduce some scenes and circumstances connected with that great party struggle, and also wishing to let the public of the present day have a peep at the places of public amusement of the period, I took considerable pains to give correct views and descriptions of those places which are now copied and produced upon the stage; and I take this opportunity of complimenting my friend Halliday for the very excellent and effective manner in which he has dramatised the story.”

“I do not mean to say that Mr. Ainsworth, when writing this novel, did not introduce some of his own ideas; but as the first idea and all the principal points and characters emanated from me, I think it will be allowed that the title of originator of The Miser's Daughter should be conferred upon, Sir, Your obedient servant, George Cruikshank.”

“In a letter from Mr. George Cruikshank which appears in The Times of to-day, that distinguished artist claims to be the originator of The Miser's Daughter. I content myself with giving the statement a positive contradiction. Mr. Cruikshank appears to labour under a singular delusion in regard to the novels he has illustrated, it is not long since he claimed to be the originator of Mr. Dickens's Oliver Twist.”

“I have to beg that you will permit me to express my regret that his memory should be in such a defective state, that he should have forgotten the circumstances and facts as to the origins of Oliver Twist, and of The Miser's Daughter; and I regret also this contradiction of his will compel me, in justice to myself, to give in a work I am preparing for the press a full, true, and particular account of all the professional transactions between Mr. Ainsworth and myself, in which I shall prove, beyond all fear of contradiction, that I am also the sole originator of what is called 'Ainsworth's Tower of London,' as well as another work bearing his name, but the ideas and suggestions of what were given to him by, Sir, your obedient servant, George Cruikshank.”