A. D. T. (Adeline Dutton Train) Whitney
Mother Goose for Grown Folks
"Mother Goose for Grown Folks" by A. D. T. Whitney is a collection of poetic interpretations of traditional nursery rhymes, written in the late 19th century. This work revisits and reimagines these beloved childhood verses, infusing them with deeper reflections and morals tailored for an adult audience. The collection invites readers to explore themes of wisdom, folly, and the complexities of life through the lens of familiar characters and whimsical scenarios. At the start of the book, the introduction establishes the concept of Mother Goose as a wisdom figure, synthesizing various literary references to elaborate on her role in imparting lessons through simple, nursery language. The early verses set the tone, blending humor and satire while delving into profound truths hidden in childhood rhymes. Through playful yet thought-provoking retellings, such as the tales of Little Boy Blue and Humpty Dumpty, the opening portion establishes a framework for exploring adulthood’s challenges using the insights gleaned from childhood wisdom.