Subject
Humorous poetry, American Books
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The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe
"The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe" by James Parton is a collection of humorous poetry that spans from the 14th century to the 19th century. This anthology showcases a wide range of comic forms, including narratives, satires, burlesques, and epigrams from significant poets and satirists throughout English literature. The volume aims to present the best shorter humorous poems accessible to modern readers, allowing them to enjoy the wit and irony of the English literary tradition. The opening of the anthology includes a preface outlining the editor's intentions, emphasizing the lack of obscenity and the choice of works that remain relatable to contemporary audiences. Parton notes that despite the richness of humor in conversational forms, the actual quantity of effective humorous poetry is limited. The initial selection features poems from notable figures, including Chaucer, Burns, and Byron, focusing on playful themes that range from the comic trials of everyday life to light-hearted reflections on love and nature. The early works exhibit a delightful variety of comedic devices and approaches that engage the reader with laughter, setting the tone for a journey through the amusing intricacies of English poetry.
Albert W. (Albert William) Smith
The giant, and other nonsense verse
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The Book of Humorous Verse
"The Book of Humorous Verse" by Carolyn Wells is a compilation of comedic poetry written during the early 20th century. This work brings together a variety of humorous verses from different authors, aiming to provide readers with a delightful collection that captures the essence of wit and humor in poetry. Given the diverse selections, the book likely features a range of themes and styles, showcasing playful jests, satire, and light-hearted narratives. The opening of the compilation sets the stage with an introduction where Wells expresses her intent to create a compilation that represents various humorous poems rather than an exhaustive collection. She hints at the challenges of selection and arrangement as she aims to satisfy different tastes. The introduction is followed by a selection of humorous poems from notable authors like W. S. Gilbert and James Whitcomb Riley. These poems encompass amusing insights on subjects ranging from the trials of being a humorist to lighthearted takes on societal norms. The whimsical tone of the opening suggests that readers can expect a rich tapestry of humor throughout the book.
Charles Godfrey Leland
The Breitmann Ballads
"The Breitmann Ballads" by Charles Godfrey Leland is a collection of humorous poetry written in the mid-19th century. The work centers around the character Hans Breitmann, who represents the German-American immigrant experience, infused with a mix of comedic situations, political satire, and cultural commentary. Through a blend of broken English and German phrases, the ballads capture the essence of the character's adventures and misadventures in a foreign land, exploring themes of identity and cultural clash. At the start of "The Breitmann Ballads," readers are introduced to the exuberant atmosphere of Hans Breitmann's various escapades, revealed through the lively verses of the poems. The preface by the author explains the origins of the work, detailing the inspiration behind the title character and his adventures. The opening ballads set the tone with descriptions of festive gatherings, amusing drinking songs, and anecdotes that illustrate the charm and absurdity of life as an immigrant. Hans Breitmann's engaging persona and raucous parties invite laughter while also reflecting deeper insights into the immigrant experience in America, making it clear that this collection is both entertaining and culturally significant.
Franklin P. (Franklin Pierce) Adams
Tobogganing on Parnassus
"Tobogganing on Parnassus" by Franklin P. Adams is a collection of humorous poems and verses crafted during the early 20th century. The book showcases Adams' wittiness and satirical take on various subjects ranging from poetry to social norms, reflecting the cultural milieu of his time. The likely topic of the book revolves around an exploration of literary themes with a light-hearted and comedic lens, employing wit and wordplay to engage readers. The collection features a variety of poems, each with its unique charm and humor. Adams creatively employs poetic forms to entertain as he comments on the quirks of society and human nature. Through verses addressing everything from the trials of love to the absurdities of life, he captures the essence of everyday experiences. Notable themes include the nature of poetry itself, musings on relationships, and humorous takes on societal expectations. Adams's playful style not only reflects his own personality as a poet but also invites readers to appreciate the lighter side of literary pursuits and social commentary.
Wallace Irwin
The Love Sonnets of a Car Conductor
"The Love Sonnets of a Car Conductor" by Wallace Irwin is a collection of humorous sonnets written in the early 20th century. This whimsical poetry, likely composed around the years 1906 to 1907, explores themes of love, duty, and the daily experiences of a car conductor on a bustling urban transport line. The book combines elements of lighthearted social commentary and romantic longing, showcasing the unique voice of a working-class poet. The poem's narrator, William Henry Smith, reveals his infatuation with a passenger named Pansy through a series of vividly illustrated sonnets, mixing affection with comic misadventures aboard the streetcar. As he navigates his feelings, he recounts various encounters with other characters, such as Gill the Gripman and Pansy’s disapproving mother, interspersed with reflections on love, life, and financial struggles. With a clever mix of slang and playful rhymes, the collection captures the rhythm of urban life and the earnest yet comedic pursuits of romance amid professional responsibilities. The result is a charming commentary on the aspirations and challenges faced by the everyday man.
William Frederick Kirk
The Norsk Nightingale; Being the Lyrics of a "Lumberyack"
"The Norsk Nightingale; Being the Lyrics of a 'Lumberyack'" by William Frederick Kirk is a collection of poetry written in the early 20th century. The book showcases a unique blend of dialect verses, steeped in the Scandinavian vernacular common among the lumberjack communities in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. With its playful use of language and reflection on the lives of these laborers, the book aims to capture the essence of their experiences and culture. In this charming work, Kirk presents a series of lyrical poems that encapsulate the lives, loves, and challenges faced by lumberjacks. Through characters such as Yim, Tillie Olson, and Olaf, the poems explore themes of friendship, romance, and the playful banter of life in the logging camps. The verses are often infused with humor and nostalgia, depicting the camaraderie among workers as they navigate the struggles of their profession. Additionally, the collection includes historical tales and translations of classic poetry, all rendered in the same engaging dialect, inviting readers into the heart of a vibrant, albeit tough, lifestyle.
Walt Mason
"Horse Sense" in Verses Tense
"Horse Sense in Verses Tense" by Walt Mason is a collection of humorous and satirical poetry written in the early 20th century. The poems encapsulate various themes revolving around human nature, societal norms, and the small foibles of daily life. Through cleverly crafted verses, Mason captures the essence of everyday characters and situations, reflecting on morals, ironies, and the essence of true happiness. The opening of this work introduces a variety of poems that criticize and celebrate different aspects of life and human behavior. For example, "The Clucking Hen" uses the metaphor of a hen scratching for food to illustrate the futility of some human endeavors, while "The Milkman" depicts the hard life of a milkman laboring diligently amidst the indifference of customers. Each poem presents a unique perspective on the joys and struggles of life, hinting at deeper truths often overlooked. The overall tone is light-hearted yet thought-provoking, sure to engage readers who appreciate humor interwoven with keen observations of human nature.
Don Marquis
The Old Soak, and Hail And Farewell
"The Old Soak and Hail And Farewell" by Don Marquis is a collection of humorous sketches and reflections written in the early 20th century. The work is centered around the character of the "Old Soak," who shares his thoughts on life, alcohol, and the impact of Prohibition on society. It provides a nostalgic glimpse into barroom culture and serves as a critique of the dry laws that altered the landscape of social interactions and personal enjoyment during that time. The opening of the book introduces the Old Soak in a rather melancholic state as he expresses his discontent with the current state of affairs, particularly with Prohibition. He recounts tales from his past, highlighting the camaraderie and comfort he found in saloons, as well as his disdain for amateur moonshiners and the inferior drinks they concoct. The Old Soak reflects on the joyous experiences and moral lessons learned in barrooms, lamenting their closure and the resultant loss of community, warmth, and character that came with them. This beginning sets the tone for a mix of humor, nostalgia, and social commentary that runs throughout the collection.
Wallace Irwin
The Love Sonnets of a Hoodlum
"The Love Sonnets of a Hoodlum" by Wallace Irwin is a collection of poetic sonnets written in the early 20th century, specifically during the early 1900s. This innovative work takes the traditional sonnet form and infuses it with modern slang and street vernacular, giving voice to a character reflecting on love and heartbreak in a rapidly changing society. The book captures the essence of urban life and the emotional turmoil experienced by a "hoodlum" in a candid yet humorous manner. The collection chronicles the romantic misadventures of the protagonist, Willie, as he navigates feelings of love and jealousy towards his beloved, Mame, while fending off rivals like Kid Murphy. Through a series of sonnets, Willie expresses his insecurities, frustration with societal expectations, and the complexities of love, using vibrant language filled with slang. The poems range from humorous to poignant, offering readers a glimpse into the life of a young man grappling with his self-image and romantic aspirations against a backdrop of lively urban experiences. Ultimately, Irwin's work resonates with themes of longing and heartbreak while maintaining a playful tone reflective of its time.
Eugene Field
Nonsense for old and young
"Nonsense for Old and Young" by Eugene Field is a whimsical collection of humorous poetry and light-hearted prose, likely penned in the late 19th century. The book showcases Field's playful style, where he employs absurdity and satire to entertain both children and adults, suggesting that laughter and nonsense can be enjoyed at any age. The content is a diverse assortment of short verses, illustrations, and comical narratives, each designed to elicit laughter through clever wordplay and engaging characters. For example, Field presents a tale of "Good James and Naughty Reginald," contrasting the merits of good behavior against the mischievous antics of Reginald, while the imaginations of various whimsical figures illuminate the playful absurdity of life. With quirky observations on society, nature, and childhood antics, this collection invites readers into a delightful world where humor prevails amidst everyday situations.
Franklin P. (Franklin Pierce) Adams
Something Else Again
"Something Else Again" by Franklin P. Adams is a collection of humorous verses written in the early 20th century. The book features a range of poetic forms and addresses various themes, including romance, social commentary, and reflections on life, often with a light-hearted and satirical tone. Adams's work draws on classical references while intertwining contemporary settings and issues, making it both timeless and relevant. At the start of the collection, the reader is greeted with playful adaptations of classic themes, such as the anxiety over time and the futility of worrying about the future, as articulated in the poem "Present Imperative." Adams uses the character of Horace, drawing from his odes, to launch into discussions of love and the human experience, blending wit and nostalgia. The opening sections hint at a diverse range of topics and styles, suggesting the book will showcase the author's talent for clever wordplay and commentary on both societal norms and personal sentiments.
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