Laughable Lyrics

Edward Lear

Aug 2023 · Good Press

About this ebook

In Edward Lear's 'Laughable Lyrics,' readers are transported into a whimsical world filled with nonsensical rhymes and humorous wordplay. Known for his delightful limericks and playful verses, Lear's literary style employs a blend of wit, charm, and absurdity that has captivated audiences for generations. Set within the Victorian era, Lear's work reflects the cultural shift towards unconventional forms of expression and entertainment, making 'Laughable Lyrics' a standout contribution to the literary landscape of the time. Through his clever use of language and imaginative scenarios, Lear engages readers in a delightful journey through the power of laughter and creativity. As a poet and artist, Lear's illustrations add an extra layer of whimsy to his work, enhancing the overall reading experience. Recommendations for 'Laughable Lyrics' extend to those who appreciate clever wordplay, imaginative storytelling, and lighthearted humor that transcends time and generation.

About the author

Edward Lear was born in Holloway, England, to Jeremiah (a stockbroker) and Ann Lear, tutored at home by his sister, and briefly attended the Royal Academy schools. Both an author and an illustrator, he earned his living as an artist from the age of 15, mainly by doing landscapes. What he is remembered for is his nonsense books, especially his popularization of the limerick. Along with Lewis Carroll, he is considered to be the founder of nonsense poetry. In addition to his limericks, he created longer nonsense poems. The best---and best known---is The Jumblies, in which the title characters go to sea in a sieve; it is a brilliant, profound, silly, and sad expression of the need to leave the security of the known world and experience the wonder and danger of the unknown. His other most notable work is The Owl and the Pussy Cat, a less complex poem whose title characters also go to sea. Lear produced humorous alphabets and botany books as well. His wordplay, involving puns, neologisms, portmanteau words, and anticlimax, retains its vitality today and has influenced such contemporary writers of children's nonsense verse as Shel Silverstein, Ogden Nash, and Laura Richards