The Comic Offering

The first volume was the first British humor publication written, illustrated, and edited by a woman.

[1] The pieces in each volume, consisting of both short fiction and poetry, satirize the everyday lives of men and women and the stereotypes and gender roles placed upon them by society.

[2] Sheridan's health declined after the fifth volume was released and ceased working on the annual.

[1] While the illustrations and wit received grudging praise, it was considered highly unusual for a woman to be writing humor at the time.

Critics did not doubt that a woman could entertain other women, but the annual's genre compelled them to question her gentility and morality, with most reviews making sure to point out her gender.