Product Description
From the benighted Old Man with a Beard to the erudite Perpendicular Purple Polly, Edward Lear's world is inhabited by a bewildering variety of oddities. One of the world's most loved writers, Lear's verse has delighted whole generations of readers. Here, after 140 years, is the original edition of A Book of Nonsense, from the original publishers. Complete with Lear's own remarkable illustrations, this treasure trove of nonsense is guaranteed to hold readers spellbound for generations more!Amazon.com Review
"He reads but he cannot speak Spanish, / He cannot abideginger-beer; / Ere the days of his pilgrimage vanish, / How pleasantto know Mr. Lear!" writes the 19th-century English poet EdwardLear in "Self Portrait of the Laureate of Nonsense." WhenThe Book of Nonsense was first published in 1845, under Lear'spseudonym, Derry Down Derry, it was a success--some say it turned theonce stodgy, didactic world of children's literature on its head.

This rollicking poetic romp begins with "A Book of Nonsense"(1846), a slew of more-odd-than-bawdy limericks about the Young Ladyof Wales, the Old Man of Vienna, and many, many more, all accompaniedby the spare, whimsical ink drawings done by Lear himself. Part twourges readers to leap into "Nonsense Songs, Stories, Botany andAlphabets" (1871), including the classic "The Owl and thePussy-cat" and "The Jumblies" (who "went to sea ina Sieve"), along with equally rib-tickling but lesser knownselections such as "The Nutcrackers and the Sugar-Tongs." Inthis section, you'll also discover instructions for how to makeCrumbobblious Cutlets, a "Nonsense Botany" guide featuringthe Bottlephorkia spoonifolia and the Manypeepliaupsidownia, and "Nonsense Alphabets," strange littlepoems about quills, rattlesnakes, screws, and other words beginningwith letters.

Part three merrily inflicts "More Nonsense Pictures, Rhymes,Botany, &c." (1877) on readers with the well-known plantWashtubbia circularis and more wacky limericks such as"There was an old person of Bar, / Who passed all her life in ajar, / Which she painted pea-green, to appear more serene, / Thatplacid old person of Bar." As icing on a very strange cake, thelast section offers "Laughable Lyrics, A Fourth Book of NonsensePoems, Songs, Botany, Music, &c." (1877), notably including"The Pobble Who Has No Toes." Lear's quirky sense of humorinfuses every line of his ever skillful verse, which is oftenalliterative, and always very silly. Lear, the Laureate of Nonsense,frolics frivolously, and no one should ever go to sea in a Sievewithout a copy of this book in tow. (All ages) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Excellent, classic, but...
I'm going to review this briefly as a book for children, which is what it is.I read most of this to my 3-year-old (including all the limericks and most of the poems, and a little of the other stuff).As long as I didn't read it too often, my son was usually game for this.He liked it but he didn't love it to pieces.The nonsense and silliness certainly appeals to silly little kids, and why shouldn't it?And as far as I'm concerned, it's excellent, and deservedly considered classic children's lit., but frankly, I didn't think it was five-stars great.The conceits and poetry are not always exactly inspired, and the illustrations are pretty crude, although plenty entertaining.

"The Owl and the Pussycat" (which we've read many times) and some of the limericks are definitely five-star selections in any case.

At $5, this is a nice cheap edition.It would help if the pictures were in color, but I gather you're getting it closer to what was published in the 19th century here.

Where are the Pictures?
I am very disappointed in this book.When I looked at it on Amazon there were pictures. Why was it not mentioned that there were no pictures in this particular book?

Shame on you for misrepresenting this book.Now I have to return it and get one with Edward Lear's imaginative art work as well.

Disappointed
I "bought" this book for Kindle.All I got when I tried to read the book was a list of numbers that didn't correspond to anything. I'm glad the book was free so I can delete this without being out anything.

sierra from P.A.
Stacy is wrong, anyone who has seen the spongebob epesode where he looks in other people's dreams will remember Gary's quoted poem "there once was a man from peru, who dreamed he was eating his shoe. The man awoke with a fright, in the middle of the night, to find that his dream had come true." and wanted to find works like it (myself, for one) will love this book.

I'm writing this for people who, like myself, have no idea what this book is about untill you read it, because of some idiot's belief that "this book has been formatted from it's origenal version..." is some magic phrase that tells us what the book is about.

This book has dozens of hilarious short stories in miniture peom form. Here is an example of some of my favorites.

"There was an old man of Quebec-- a beetle ran over his neck; But he cried "With a needle, I slay you O beadle!" That angry old man of Quebec."

"There was an old man with a poker, who painted his face a red ochre. When they said "You're a guy!", he made no reply, But knocked them all down with his poker."

and my favorite of them all, which any spongebob fan would love, "There was an old man of Peru, who watched his wife make stew; but once, by mistale, in a stove she did bake, that unfortunate man of Peru."

Wish the pictures were included.
As a graduate student in history, I know that the Edward Lear original included hilarious illustrations that make this work even better and, therefore, the reading more enjoyable. The poems are fun but it would have been nice if it included the pictures. ... Read more

Product Description
The absurd and whimsical verses of Edward Lear-such as "The Owl and the Pussy-cat," "The Jumblies," "The Scroobious Pip," and countless limericks-have enchanted generations of children and adults alike. This delightful volume, the most comprehensive collection ever of his work, presents all of Lear's verse and other nonsense writings, including stories, letters, and illustrated alphabets, as well as previously unpublished material, line drawings, and a fascinating introduction by scholar Vivien Noakes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A perfect book title.
If anyone could lay claim to having a vivid and delightful imagination, it was Edward Lear.His sense of humor is reflected in this 'easy read' book.Perfect for anyone who is loaded down with life's cares and needs some whimsy to lighten their day.

Edward Lear: The complete Verse and Other Nonsense
This edition of old favorites was as big a hit with my granddaughter as it was with my own children.The rhymes just beg to be read aloud, and this edition is easy to follow.A treat for the whole family

Excellent compilation--a trip down memory lane!
A great book to reconnect with Lear's verse, and to read some that may be unfamiliar.A good shared-read with children, enhancing their awareness of humor in language and stimulating their own creativity.An all-around good purchase.

Edward Lear, Poet of the Absurd!!
Edward Lear IS the poet of the absurd.With his wiity observations and witticisms, he opened many a mind to the unexplored territory of the verbal nicety.Mr. lear was not merely a gifted poet, but also a great humorist.I give him credit for his creative ingenuity as well as his humor.He has made me laugh from the age of three!! :)

I welcome any review fo the man's work, but this one is absolutely definitive.Pick it up for the mastery of the form, for the humor of the verse, and ultimately, for the sheer delight of the words.

The man, simply put, was (and remains) a genius.Buy it.Read it.Enjoy it.You owe this to yourself. ... Read more

Product Description
The classic collection of nonsense by the greatest nonsensicalist of all time, Edward Lear - inventor of the limerick, and creator of the "Jumblies" and "The Owl and the Pussy Cat". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Written 164 years ago and still very popular.
Edward Lear is a name you may not recall;but who hasn't heard of the rhyme "The Owl And The Pussy-Cat"?He was a man of many talents;a painter,a writer,a poet,a world traveller;and a man who mixed with the rich famous and the establishment of his time.His output was immense,but the one thing that he was never able to do is to become prosperous from it all;in fact he was quite poor,never knew where the money would come from to pay his rent or even to buy his food and clothes.
Although he was very talented in the arts,even painted for the famous John Gould;it was from his somewhat childish sketches,verses and limericks that resulted in his work that we remember him today.In fact,of all those who ever put pen to paper and created limericks;Edward Lear has no peer.
This edition has a special feature in that it includes an Introduction of 20 pages by Holbrook Jackson who calls Lear "The Laureate Of Nonsense.If you have not heard of Jackson,you really should look into some of his work.He is one of the best known writers when it comes to the "world of books".He wrote "The Anatomy of Bibliomania" in 1950 and it is a classic.It is therefore not surprising that his Introduction to Edward Lear'smost famous book is excellent.
As whimsical as his verse is,the sketches that he drew to accompany them are just as whimsical.
Just in case you've never come across Lear and his "Nonsense";here are a couple of examples.I'll have to leave the sketches that accompany them to your imagination.

"There once was an old man,who when little
Fell casually into a kettle;
But,growing too stout,He could never get out,
So he passed all his life in that kettle."

"The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea
In abeautiful pea-green boat,
They took some honey,and plenty of money,
Wrapped up in a five-pound note.
The Owl looked up to the stars above,
And sang to a small guitar,
'O lovely Pussy!O Pussy,my love,
What a beautifulPussy you are,
You are,
You are!
What a beautiful Pussy you are!"

A funny take on English language
The book is a lot of fun, but it can also be a serious tool for understanding English through its inventive vocabulary and the vivid imagery of the poems.

A Gem!
This is an "unabidged and unaltered repliication of the work originally published 1947" which "is printed in an edition limited to 400 copies" by Amereon House, the publishing division of Amereron Ltd.

It includes the text and ilustrations of Lear's five pubished nonsense works and Holbrook Jackson's introduction titled "Edward Lear: Laureate of Nonsense".

A book to share and to treasure...Order your copy while stocks last.

King Lear
I was given this book by my father when I was seven years old and was thoroughly enchanted by it, and remain so to this day.The Owl and the Pussy Cat has passed into children's lore - many people know the rhyme through the song (was it Burl Ives?) or through new illustrated versions of it.They know the limericks (or at least the form, if not the rather esoteric content - the old man with the Beard, for instance, and the lady with the excessively long chin who

had it made sharp
and purchased a harp
and played several tunes with her chin).

But do they know of The Dong with the Luminous Nose, or the Pobble Who Has No Toes, or the short history of Violet, Slingsby, Guy, and Lionel?Or the illustrated botanical alphabet with such plants as the ManyPeeplia Upsidedownia (you'd have to see the drawing!)It would be impossible to say how many times I read, re-read, and enjoyed this book as a child and an adult, including the rather touching, affectionate introduction to the man himself.

Please, please buy this book.You'll never regret it. ... Read more

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Product Description
Edward Lear s illustrated book of parrots



Edward Lear may be best known for his nonsense verse, but in his early years he excelled as an illustrator of birds and reptiles. This set of 42 hand-colored lithographs, originally entitled Illustrations of the Family of Psittacidae, or Parrots, was the finest achievement of his relatively brief career as a natural history draftsman, before failing eyesight led him to concentrate on his writing.



During Lear s time, live parrots were rare and much sought-after, bought and sold for large sums by wealthy amateurs of natural history, and prized by 19th century European aristocracy for their astonishing plumage and mimickry of the human voice. Naturally, fine drawings of them were also highly prized. One of the first collections entirely dedicated to the species, Parrots includes African, Australian, and American parrots bred by eminent ornithologists such as Sir William Jardine and Prideaux John Selby, who sponsored Lear, inspiring and directing his work. Unlike other avian illustrators who often worked with stuffed birds, the young and prodigiously talented Lear (1812 1888) made his drawings from live parrots, capturing their expressions and movements in remarkably lifelike illustrations. The new medium of hand-colored lithography facilitated the vivid elegance of Lear's work.



This exquisite collection was originally reproduced in only 175 precious sets and sold by subscription to Britain s most eminent scholars and wealthy collectors of living parrots. The Psittacidae established Lear as a celebrated illustrator, and professor of drawing to the young Queen Victoria. With a brief zoological introduction and written descriptions of each bird, TASCHEN s perfect reprint brings Lear s parrots back to life for all to admire.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

edward lear- The Parrots
I highly recommend Edward Lear, The Parrots: The complete plates to those who love art and parrots.As usual my aunt, who is a fine artist, immediately took my copy and I re ordered it for my self.We are both lovers of art, nature, animals and birds. Three members of my family own parrots. In my house I have always had a parrot.They are great companions and fun to have. The forty two (42) plates on parrots have magnificent detail, colour and quality paper.It is a brilliant buy and the most precious item I have.I plan to have six frames and display different plates of the complete illustrations.

THRILLED
This set is AMAZING, and such a wonderful deal for what you get. I've been looking several other places to purhcase this, and Amazon.com was the best deal by far. I bought it as a gift for my mother who is really into art, and she liked it more than any gift I've ever bought her. She went through and started making a "favorites" pile to frame, but has so many that I know it will take her a while to narrow down. She plans to give some of the others away as gifts since she loves them so much and knows she won't be able to enjoy all of them. I am a happy purchaser...oh and did I mention that the pictures are absolutely gorgeous? The paper stock is very high quality and the colors are perfect. They look as close as you are going to get to the originals.

based on some parrot paint by a man named lear
i've known about lear's parrots for years and was sad that they weren't in print,until now.my hat off to taschen for the fine work they've released here.when i received this i was amazed how large it was.upon opening it i viewed the fourty-two beautiful prints(on fine grade paper,suitable for framing,of course)i was filled with a sense of awe of the young genius(only 20!)that produced such wonders.the box also contains an informative booklet.highly recommended and worth every penny!thanks again taschen!derek ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Love this book/CD-rom
This is a work of art. The book itself is quite simple, but the CD-ROM is absolutely charming - a combination of simple yet sophisticated animations, incredible music and narration. This isn't just for kids - this is something someone of any age can enjoy. It truly brings out the "story" inherent in Lear's charming drawings.

Not just for Lear Fans!

Delightful cd renderings as well
The book itself has three sections: Absurd ABC, Crazy Colors (all limericks include a reference to color), and Funny Faces (primarily noses). All vintage Lear.

The advantage of this particular volume is the cdwhich contains a reading of all the material in the book with a delightfulmusical accompaniment and a visual extension of drawings for the computerwith similar musical accompaniment - it includes whimsical plants, a seriesof cats etc.

An excellent edition of a small portion of Lear's work. ... Read more

Product Description
Examines the life and career of the nineteenth-century writer-artist who was renowned for his nonsense verse. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Wandering Englishman
Vivien Noakes Edward Lear is a wonderful, clear, and enjoyable book. Mr lear the twentieth of twenty-one brothers and sisters, starts out interesting and stays that way through out his well traveled life. Prolific as a writer and painter suffering with epilepsy, this biography gives you just enough of the places he traveled, his art, personel life, friends( he semed to have known everyone including Tennyson) to keep it balanced and give a good feel ofMr. Lear. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a collection of nonsense songs including "The Owl and the Pussy Cat", "The Dong with a Luminious Nose", "The Jumblies" and "The Quangle Wangle's Hat". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very funny
Thisbook was just great. I had to keep putting it down because i was laughing so hard. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

BROUGHT OUT THE KID IN ME..ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL
I cannot think of a better way to introduce the poetry and stories of Edward Lear than this small volume.The selection is excellent and of interest you the young reader.The commentary is quite relevant as are the pictures which accompany it.I find that often now, our young people go all the way through the early grades in school and many of them have never heard of Edward Lear, much less read their poetry.This was the sort of stuff my generation and the generation before it grew up on and cut our teeth on.I do not feel I am any worse for the wear.I am fearful that we are bringing up an entire generation (rightfully or wrong, although I feel it is the later) of young folks who will have no appreciation to this great art form and will miss a lot.This book helps.This entire series helps, as a matter of fact and I certainly recommend you add this one and the others to your library.Actually, it is rather fun reading these with the young folk and then talking about them.Not only do you get to enjoy the work your self and perhaps bring back some great memories, but you have the opportunity to interact with your child or student.It is actually rather surprising what some of the kids come up with.I read these to my grandchildren and to the kids in my classes at school.For the most part, when I really get to discussing the work with them, they enjoy it.Recommend this one highly.

Fabulous
I had these stories read to me when I was a child and was thrilled to find this book for my son.The illustrations are wonderful and the stories are particularly fun to read aloud.For those of you not familiar, give them a try.I know that there are some terms in these stories that have other connotations to Americans, but the stories are pure, fantastical and innocent.

The Poetry Man
Edward Lear, what a talented man. Lear was born in 1812 in England. Though being born in England he spent most of his life away from his home land. This particular book that I read was a very good book that was interesting to me no matter my age. He showed great illustrations and they always found a way to make the picture match the story. Lear had great creativity in this book. It was full of rhythm and joy for all type of people.

Kids Love It!!!
Poetry for Young People is a wonderful series, and I have the whole series in my classroom, but I have to buy extra copies of Edward Lear's book all the time because everyone wants to read it, and I keep giving copies away.Students who have never cared for a book in their life go so crazy over this one that I just have to make it a present to them.The illustrations are fun and colorful and exciting, and the poetry is zany and silly and rhythmical.I like to read aloud from this book, and we can read these poems over and over (which promotes fluency).If you want to motivate your students or your children to read poetry, or if you want to introduce your kids to poetry so they'll develop a love for it, give them this book.And like I said, the whole series is great.The biographies provided at the beginning of each book are brief, but give a pretty comprehensive picture of the interesting events in each writer's life, and give insight into the works that follow. ... Read more

Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Product Description
If you know the story of the Jumblies, that happy-go-lucky clan of sailors in a sieve, then you'll be eager to learn more of their saga in this charming love story poem, penned by the master of nonsense verse, Edward Lear (English, 1812-1888), and illustrated by the master of brilliant, offbeat images, Edward Gorey (American, 1925 2000).

As it turns out, the Jumblies made at least one stop during their long journey, and there, on the Hills of the Chankly Bore, a passionate relationship was born--between a Jumbly girl and the Dong. The end of the story is sad but sweet, and it stars a nose that can light up a forest, light up the sky! The Dong is some kind of hero, certainly, and he can't help but win our hearts with that protuberant proboscis of his.

The Dong with a Luminous Nose and The Jumblies (also published by Pomegranate Communications) present two of the most finely rendered suites of drawings ever created by Edward Gorey. With Edward Lear's irresistible verses, the books are timeless classics to be enjoyed through generations, by children of all ages, four to eighty-four.

Text by Edward Lear; illustrated by Edward Gorey. 48 pages with 22 black-and-white illustrations. Smyth-sewn casebound book with jacket. Size: 8.5 x 6 inches. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Love Glows Eternal...
A trait found in Gorey's more memorable works is the effortless flow between the story and art; a well-choreographed dance of meter and line. It's found in spades here in both 'The Jumblies' and 'The Dong with a Luminous Nose'. Gorey's inspired interpretation of 'The Dong...' and 'The Jumblies' does something to Lear's originals - it releases the story from words, engaging as they are. Gorey gives us readers the hi-ho-the-merry-o amidst the wind and the waves, the clanking of bottles and tiny cheers of celebration. And even if the Jumblies aren't beings made entirely in our image, they still provide us the most enjoyable of company.

In 'The Dong...', a sequel to 'The Jumblies', sweet pathos is offered alongside humor, and Gorey gives the poor, tortured soul a real stage. Other artists portray the Dong succumbing to a sort of mad foolishness. Gorey finds someone not so mad, but forlorn, more a fool of the heart.

Together, these endearing little characters cast in 'The Jumblies' and 'The Dong with a Luminous Nose' come through with a warmth and fragility that makes these little players appear, oddly, as old, wizened children. They are some of Gorey's most memorable creations. Not surprising really, as Gorey held Lear in very high esteem, and hoped he could do Lear's tales justice.
-- G. Emil, (...)

A must have for any Gorey Fan
A wonderfully grim story about a man sequestered by loneliness until he meets his love when she sails to his island with her family. When her visit is over, the Dong can't rest until he finds his love by the light of his luminous nose. Gorey is articulate with his poetry. You will feel this book haunt you hours after reading it.

This book taught me to read and to imagine!
What can I say about this book...when I was 4 my father started reading this to me - by the time I was 5 it was a nightly ritual.This is one of Leary's wierdest, most imaginative, dreamlike books for children (andadults).And yes, I learned to read by matching up the rhythms of thestory I heard night after night with the page numbers, pictures and shapeof the words. A must for every children's collection. ... Read more

Product Description
Edward Lear (English, 1812-1888) was a highly respected painter by trade, but today he is perhaps best known for his nonsense poems. His 'The Jumblies' had great appeal for Edward Gorey, because, as Gorey said, it 'was taught to me by my grandfather when I was four or five, and it has always been one of my favorites. Since Lear himself made only one small drawing for it, it occurred to me that I might illustrate the whole poem.' Gorey was so taken with Lear's words that he dedicated his drawings to Foss, Mr. Lear's cat.

The crux of the tale is this: the infinitely endearing and always happy Jumblies decide to set sail over rough seas in a sieve, and so they go, despite concerns from their kin who elect to stay home. Are they brave or ridiculous? Perhaps neither; Lear's poem makes a good case for the saying, 'Ignorance is bliss.'

It's impossible not to love Edward Gorey's interpretation of the wee Jumblies, exquisitely rendered in his signature pen-and-ink crosshatching. His twenty pristine drawings combined with Lear's fanciful verse make The Jumbliesa perfect delight, and one to revisit, again and again. But don't stop here: you'll want to learn more about the Jumblies saga in The Dong with a Luminous Nose, another Lear/Gorey masterpiece, also published by Pomegranate Communications.

Text by Edward Lear; illustrated by Edward Gorey. 48 pages with 22 black-and-white illustrations. Smyth-sewn casebound book with jacket. Size: 8.5 x 6 inches. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Do you know the way to Chankly Bore?
A trait found in Gorey's more memorable works is the effortless flow between the story and art; a well-choreographed dance of meter and line. It's found in spades here in both 'The Jumblies' and 'The Dong with a Luminous Nose'. Gorey's inspired interpretation of 'The Jumblies' does something to Lear's original - it releases the story from words, engaging as they are. Gorey gives us readers the hi-ho-the-merry-o amidst the wind and the waves, the clanking of bottles and tiny cheers of celebration. And even if the Jumblies aren't beings made entirely in our image, they still provide us the most enjoyable of company.

In 'The Dong with a Luminous Nose', a sequel to 'The Jumblies', sweet pathos is offered alongside humor, and Gorey gives the poor, tortured soul a real stage. Other artists portray the Dong succumbing to a sort of mad foolishness. Gorey finds someone not so mad, but forlorn, more a fool of the heart.

Together, these endearing little characters cast in 'The Jumblies' and 'The Dong with a Luminous Nose' come through with a warmth and fragility that makes these little players appear, oddly, as old, wizened children. They are some of Gorey's most memorable creations. Not surprising really, as Gorey held Lear in very high esteem, and hoped he could do Lear's tales justice.
-- G. Emil, (...)
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

fun to read AND listen to
the reviewer below is right--this ISN'T your average kids' book and that is what makes it so much fun!its silly rhymes make my 2 year old laugh out loud and although he can't say all the words, he does like to try. stick with winnie-the-pooh if you like, but if you want some bright,nonsensical fun, try this book.

A vibrant romp through the alphabet.
Vladimir Radunsky captures all the true spirit of Lear's alphabet verse by pasting up this classic into a virtual scrapbook--full of colors and images for the next milennium.The dumpiest of pumps, a goose-steppinglittlegoose kickingoff his boots, and even Edward Lear himself runs wildthrough the pages.But this is not just an expression of virtuosity, it'sa lot of fun, too.A wonderful introduction to the alphabet and the workof two masters. ... Read more

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