The ascent of Mont Blanc made easy: a suggestion to the followers of Mr Albert Smith

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The ascent of Mont Blanc made easy: a suggestion to the followers of Mr Albert Smith

The ascent of Mont Blanc made easy: a suggestion to the followers of Mr Albert Smith. A very relaxed Victorian man is transported to the top of the mountain on a giant pair of retractable mechanical tongs. Satirical cartoon about Albert Smith, mountaineer, showman, raconteur and writer whose Ascent of Mont Blanc show at the Egyptian Hall in London inspired Mont Blanc mania in the early 1850s. Date: 1853

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Media ID 23426224

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1850s 1853 Ascent Blanc Easy Followers Giant Mania Mar21 Mechanical Mont Mountaineering Pair Retractable Satire Satirical Suggestion Tongs Transported Albert Made Smith

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EDITORS COMMENTS
is a satirical cartoon published in 1853, poking fun at the mountaineering craze inspired by the famous showman, mountaineer, raconteur, and writer, Albert Smith. The image depicts a very relaxed Victorian gentleman being effortlessly transported to the summit of Mont Blanc on a pair of giant, retractable mechanical tongs. Albert Smith had gained immense popularity in the early 1850s with his Ascent of Mont Blanc show at the Egyptian Hall in London. His daring exploits and vivid storytelling had sparked a wave of Mont Blanc mania, with many aspiring climbers attempting to conquer the mountain. This satirical cartoon plays on the idea that Smith had made the treacherous climb seem too easy, leading his followers to believe they could achieve the feat without much effort. The cartoon's humor lies in the contrast between the man's leisurely pose and the daunting height of Mont Blanc, as well as the absurdity of being lifted to the top by a pair of giant tongs. The image serves as a reminder that the reality of mountain climbing was far more challenging than the sensationalized stories presented in Smith's show. Despite the satire, the cartoon also highlights the significant impact that Smith's Ascent of Mont Blanc show had on the public's fascination with mountaineering and adventure in the mid-19th century. The image is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of the great outdoors.

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