England`s very first illustrated humorous magazine ,from its inception designed to puncture pomposity & eventually coming to reflect many of the decent values which were fought for in two world wars. The combination of wood block engraving & steam printing enabled an unprecedented evolution of the periodical press. Punch was initially successful due to the popularity of the cartoons of John Leech ,whose combination of visual & verbal humour continued & developed the pattern established in the late 18th /Early 19th century by Gillray ,Rowlandson & Cruikshank. Continuing its popularity into the 20th century Punch eventually ceased publication in 2002 after 161 years !