A Victorian Versification Abecedary
by
Pages: 137
Size: 5.25 x 8.00 in
Pages: 135
Size: 5.74 x 8.74 in
Pages: 135
An illustrated A-to-Z (plus an ampersand) poetry collection celebrating Victorian life.
From Ada Lovelace to the Zoetrope (plus a bonus ampersand), this alphabet of verse captures the innovations and oddities of the Victorian era in poetic form. A witty, whimsical celebration of one of the most imaginative eras of all time. Includes color illustrations by Olivia Wylie.
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Word Count: 18704
Languages Available: English
Word Count: 18704
Languages Available: English
What a delightful book! This "Parlor Poetry", written in several different kinds of verse, is both interesting and educational. Although it is presented as a Victorian Abecedary (a children’s alphabet book) it is really a guided tour through the inventions, people, products and everyday life of the most rapid century of human advancement. Lori included Notable Quotes from the famous and infamous personalities of the era ( Frederick Douglas, Mark Twain, WR Hearst, Joseph Pulitzer, Ambrose Bierce) and the written words of their newspapers and magazines ( London Illustrated News, Pall Mall Gazette, Punch, Scientific American) to illuminate the path of the prose and poetry.
It is also beautifully illustrated by Olivia Wylie, who depicts every contraption and fad with delicate line drawings and color washes, reminiscent of the era’s newspapers. There is a reproduction of Charles Robinson’s "The Big Book of Nursery Rhymes" and a further reading section for more information about the Victorians.
The eBook is flowing, which allows the reader to highlight any word or phrase and search it immediately on the internet. I found this extremely useful and entertained myself while reading about Louis Carroll, Ada Lovelace ( Lord Byron’s daughter), Charles Babbage (first computer inventor), Nikola Tesla and several others.
This book has my highest recommendation, and should be read aloud to appreciate the rhyme and meter of the poetry. It is perfect to be read to children, who will love the Octopus, Velocipede and Zoetrope illustrations and explanations. Five stars all the way.
