"John Leech, His Life and Work. Vol. 1 [of 2]" by William Powell Frith is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book chronicles the life and artistic contributions of John Leech, a prominent British illustrator and caricaturist known for his work with the magazine "Punch". This volume focuses on his early life, education, and the development of his signature style, along with some context about his social circle and the cultural atmosphere of his time. The opening of the memoir sets the tone by discussing the author’s gratitude towards those who supported his research on Leech, including friends and contemporaries of the artist. It begins with reflections on Leech's early days, starting from his birth in London in 1817. Frith details Leech's family background, his artistic inclinations from a young age, and his eventual transition from aspiring surgeon to renowned artist. The narrative captures his formative experiences at school and the influence of early friendships on his burgeoning talent, hinting at the struggles that would later shape his successful career. (This is an automatically generated summary.)