Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Astrology, Prognostication, Charlatanry, Periodicals, Politics, War, Quackery, Government

    Attacks the 'horribly debilitated fulfilments and predictions' in Zadkiel's Almanac for 1868. Suggesting that Zadkiel is a contributor to Punch, declares that he does not deserve the 'encouragement' that the periodical has given him and that he may 'prophesy no more'. Ridicules the way in which Zadkiel claimed that the recent assassination of Emperor Maximillian of Mexico was foretold in the positions of the planets, and his erroneous prediction that 1867 would be the year in which Emperor Napoleon III of France would not make any mistakes. Punch points out that Napoleon has been more 'unlucky' in 1867 than at any other time during his reign, noting various military and political blunders including being 'disgraced in Mexico', being 'bullied by Prussia', and failing to make domestic reforms. Goes on to rubbish Zadkiel's predictions regarding Prince Edward and, noting the astrologer's apparent prediction of the Reform Bill, suggests that Zadkiel's supporters petition Parliament 'against the astrology laws' and drafts a letter for such a purpose. Written as if by an author of limited literary ability and considerable credulity, the letter insists that 'the Hancient siance of Asstrology be Found in truth, and that By the iffluence of the Evans all men and All things in this world be governd'.