Every Man His Own Poet; Or, The Inspired Singer's Recipe Book

by W. H. (William Hurrell) Mallock

"Every Man His Own Poet; Or, The Inspired Singer's Recipe Book" by W. H. Mallock is a satirical guidebook on poetry composition written during the late 19th century. This book serves as a humorous take on the art of poetry, providing readers with tongue-in-cheek "recipes" for creating various types of poems. The text reflects Mallock's commentary on the evolving nature of poetry and society's approach to artistic expression in the Victorian era. In the book, Mallock presents a series of satirical instructions for writing different kinds of poetry, from love poems to epic masterpieces, parodying the styles of various poets of his time, such as Tennyson, Arnold, Browning, and Swinburne. Each recipe outlines absurd ingredients and processes—such as combining woes and despair in a way that humorously exaggerates the artistic process. His playful approach critiques poetic conventions, celebrating the accessibility of poetry while poking fun at its pretensions. The work ultimately invites readers to reflect on the nature of creativity and the evolving landscape of literary expression.