Warning: When I am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple

by Jenny Joseph

Book Overview

Voted Britain's favourite poem in 1996, 'Warning', written in 1961, is known and loved the world over. Its declaration of defiance, so vividly and cleverly expressed, appeals to the rebel in all of us... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0285634119
• Release Date: November 1997
• Publisher: Souvenir Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 4.5" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Splendid!

I heard Jenny Joseph interviewed on NPR many years ago, and have since added a fair amount poetry and writing authored by women to the literature classes I teach. I have found this book to be particularly valuable as regards promoting an increased awareness of women - not just their writing - but also how the human condition is uniquely evinced and exemplified by the women in our world. I also feel that this is an excellent book for discussion and for helping young men begin - while YOUNG - to be sensitive to and respectful of women in general. Gentlemen seem to be a vanishing breed these days; perhaps this book's eloquent poetry and revealing anecdotes about women can help foster a bit more understanding and mutual appreciation. My wife and I have given several copies as gifts, and they have always been well-received.

A Great companion to the card and poem

A friend sent me the card, When I grow old... more than 20 years ago. It fit us both so well then -- we were hitting our 40's but purple was a color we both loved! But the idea of not caring what you wore, or what people would think, was so appealing. And so was the idea of walking down the street and running ones cane along the metal fences! I can just see the two of us now, if we were still living in that old neighborhood, doing just that! Then I found the book about 7 or 8 years ago and had to get it. Then I showed it to a lady I worked with briefly and she also had to get the book. I do find it amusing and have to wonder how many of the Red Hat ladies actually know that the society is a spin-off from the poem? It just makes me feel so good -- and I have become so much freer than ever before, -- as one who is close to her mid 60's, I love to wear my Chuck Taylor Neon Green High Tops or when I could find both, my Pink Hi tops! On dress down Fridays when I last worked a few years ago, almost everyone who saw me wear those Pink Shoes thought they were so "cool" and they must have thought "gee, that silver haired lady dares do that? wonder what I can get away with?"

I have been wearing purple since I was a teen...I should have started this movement...

Of course I had to have this poem...and all the little things about it, like the red hats I've suddenly acquired, my own Red Hat Chapter...I really have been wearing purple all these years, so that poem must have been stolen from my head...lol...neat little book...

Now That I Am An Older Woman

The poem itself has been around for many years. Bought 3 copies of the book for 2 sisters and a friend - it has really good illustrations to go with the text. Everyone approaching 50 needs this!

Hit Home and Made Me Smile...

I read the book several years back. I loaned it to a friend, and took a Job Transfer shortly thereafter.Well, needless to say, I think the friend liked the book also.So, today I am ordering it for my 2 daughters. They are approaching their 40's, and I know they will love it as much as I did.The Author does an excellent job in depicting that which makes us smile at ourselves, as we grow older. She lets you know that growing old can be a lot of fun. ",,,I shall wear purple", is a very appropriate title. And, when a Woman nears that special time , OLD AGE, wearing purple is almost an unwritten rule. The Author tells that in Old Age, you can get more respect. If for no other reason, than just being your Old Self.I highly recommend reading at least twice. You'll never feel the same about yourself.The picture on the cover and the poem that goes along with it,are alone worth the price of the Book.