A Book of Nonsense

By Edward Lear

Book Overview

"A Book of Nonsense" stands as a cornerstone of Victorian literature, celebrated for its whimsical spirit and innovative use of language. This collection showcases the delightful absurdity of the limerick form, a genre perfected and popularized through the wit of its creators. Through a series of playful verses, the work explores a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the logical is gleefully discarded in favor of pure, imaginative fun.

Focusing on the surreal adventures of eccentric characters, the book employs masterful wordplay and a rhythmic cadence that has charmed readers for generations. This volume captures the essence of nonsensical poetry, bridging the gap between children's literature and sophisticated literary satire. Associated with the pioneering minds of Edward Lear and Lewis Carroll, the work remains a vital example of the literary nonsense movement, emphasizing humor that is both lighthearted and profoundly clever.

Whether exploring the strange habits of an "Old Man with a Beard" or the peculiar logic of the Victorian era, "A Book of Nonsense" provides a timeless escape into the joy of the ridiculous. It remains an essential read for those who appreciate the historical development of English humor and the enduring power of the imagination.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025314700
• ISBN13: 9781025314709
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Deep Genius, Required reading for any age

I read this as a third-grader and I like it even more as an adult who reads a lot of history, biographies, novels, science. This book is in its own category...and it may BE nonsense on the surface, but it is genius underneath. The word play, the scenarios, the imagination, and unexpectations. There's no describing A Book of Nonsense that can do it justice.

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!

So You Don't Get It

I can see why Stacy of California thinks this is a weird "incomprehendable" book. The word is "incomprehensible" Stacy. It takes a person of a proper old-fashioned education to appreciate this fine piece of classic literature. We oldsters don't get weird modern art either, or some of the wacky movies Hollywood gives awards to but no one can imagine why.

Every child needs some nonsense

Edward Lear's nonsense is of the best. Read it aloud! Your kids will amaze you by how fast they can begin to recite along with you! If you remember "The Owl and the Pussycat" from your childhood, you owe it to yourself and your children to share it and "The Jumblies" with them.

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 cd which contains a reading of all the material in the book with a delightful musical accompaniment and a visual extension of drawings for the computer with similar musical accompaniment - it includes whimsical plants, a series of cats etc.An excellent edition of a small portion of Lear's work.

A Classic for all ages!

Wow. I'm so glad this book still exists! This was a book I must have checked out from the library over a dozen times as a kid. Lots of fun.