This alphabet was designed by Jean Midolle and published in Strasbourg in<br />
1834.<br />
<br />
During the previous 50 years the French had seen violent revolution<br />
(1789-1799), and the Napoleonic wars (1803-15), followed by the restauration<br />
of a monarchy that was increasingly reactionary, intent on augmenting the<br />
influence of the wealthy classes, and curbing civil liberties (Louis XVIII<br />
1814-24; Charles X 1824-30). The July Revolution of 1830 restored what<br />
promised to be a more moderate monarchy under Louis Philippe. But this new<br />
government was not to respond to the economic needs and political desires<br />
of the lower classes, and further discontent became inevitable.<br />
<br />
Within this context, the often tasteless images of this "Alphabet<br />
diabolique" may be better understood as portraying through satire the harsh<br />
realities that the French people had faced within a single lifetime.<br />
Incidentally, being English myself, I cannot but wonder whether in Midolle's<br />
eyes, Death is an Englishman- take a look at him in letter M, toting his<br />
umbrella, and possibly wearing Wellington boots!<br />