Edward Lear

some of his popular works

If you've ever wanted to meet a man with a beard so long he wears it in buckets, or follow a Jumblie who went to sea in a sieve (as one does), then allow me to introduce you to Edward Lear — the gentleman laureate of literary lunacy.

Lear was the 19th-century poet who looked at the stiff collars and starch of Victorian England and thought, “You know what this world needs? More owls marrying pussycats and fewer rules about syntax.” While others were busy inventing the modern novel, Lear was busy inventing the runcible spoon, a utensil so mysterious it still confuses cutlery drawers today.

His limericks were small but mighty, like poetic hedgehogs — often featuring peculiar people from oddly specific places doing things that made no sense whatsoever. They’re the kind of poems that begin with “There once was a man from Peru” and end with something being inexplicably eaten, sneezed on, or blown away by wind.

And his nonsense stories? They’re like fairy tales written by a sleepy dictionary. Characters wander through wild logic, geography is optional, and animals are very talkative. You may find yourself charmed, confused, and unreasonably fond of creatures you didn't know existed.

So loosen your grip on reality, put your seriousness in a teacup, and prepare to enter a world where nonsense isn’t just celebrated — it’s absolutely essential. Edward Lear doesn’t just write with a wink — he writes like he’s trying to make the Queen Victoria giggle behind a fan. And frankly, he probably did.

The quirky How Pleasant to Know Mr Lear is probably one of the shortest autobiographies and the quickest way to know who this fella was.

We plan to add many more examples of Lear's work in the near future.

Meanwhile, enjoy the selection below.

The History of the Seven Families of the Lake Pipple-Popple

The Story of the Four Little Children Who Went Round the World

The Owl and the Pussycat

Limericks