Parodies of the works of English & American authors, vol. I

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"Parodies of the Works of English & American Authors, vol. I" by Walter Hamilton is a collection of literary parodies written in the late 19th century. The work compiles various parodies of notable poems and prose from celebrated authors such as Alfred Lord Tennyson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Bret Harte. Hamilton aims to showcase the humorous potential of these original works while providing a critical examination of their styles. The opening of the collection sets the stage for what readers can expect from the book. Walter Hamilton begins by discussing the origins and merit of parody, arguing that it reveals the absurdities of celebrated writers and serves as a testament to their notoriety. He explains the history of his collection, emphasizing how it incorporates valuable insights and examples to illustrate the art of parody. Additionally, he introduces notable parodies that will be featured, including those of Tennyson's "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and Longfellow's "Excelsior," positioning the work as both a source of entertainment and a scholarly examination of literary imitation.