The title continues: 'Being a Series of Twelve Caricatures, Illustrative of that Controversy. First Series'. Title or frontispiece to Nos. 15574-85, a set of chalk lithographs (coloured, all with the same imprint and price as No. 15574). An emblematic border in pen-lithography surrounds a 'Preface' engraved on the face of a rock, and dated 'Edinburgh 17th March 1827' [i.e. 1828], with the note, 'N.B. N° 1 of the Second series [see No. 15586] will appear in a few days'. In this the author states that at first 'he was impressed with an idea, that the principal pamphleteers [Thomson and Grey], in this disgraceful Controversy, were alike reprehensible ; but a more attentive perusal of the various writings, produced in his mind that bias, which will be observable.. . . It will also be noticed, that the Author is Anti-Apocryphal in his sentiments while he disclaims the slightest acquaintance with any of the Dramatis Persona of the Controversy. . .' .
<p><br>On the summit of the rock a dragon (Apocryphal) spits fire and smoke. A sub-human mannikin, who calls himself 'Brownie', and appears as a cynical commentator in the series from No. vii onwards, looks from behind the rock (left) to hold out a placard inscribed 'Price 10/6', saying, 'My Conscience! only Ten &amp; Sixpence for so many Ministers, they must be little worth, now a'days'. In the foreground, at the base of the rock, lie mitre, crosier, shovel-hat, and a volume inscribed 'Apocrypha' beside a broadsword inscribed 'Andrea Ferrara' which transfixes a papal tiara. Two volumes of the 'Christian Instructor' lie on one inscribed 'Anglicanus'; 'Campbell called to Account' [see No. 15581] lies on 'Earl Street Committee' and 'Andrew Brandram'. In the background (right) is Edinburgh Castle.
<br>  1828
</p>
<br>Hand-coloured lithograph
1828<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1828-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
<a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1868-0808-8736">https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1868-0808-8736</a>