This volume, which collects the four books of “nonsense” published by Lear during his lifetime, contains all of his most celebrated verse and prose productions, from his first collection of limericks, A Book of Nonsense, to his Nonsense Songs and Stories – which includes ‘The Owl and the Pussy Cat’, long considered one of the nation’s favourite poems, as well as many lesser-known pieces composed in the same waywardly imaginative vein.

Embodying his passion for the absurd, Lear’s limericks, stories, alphabets and botanical sketches, each accompanied by one of the author’s beguiling original illustrations, are fun, lyrical, lively and hilarious, and have enchanted children and adults since their first appearance in print.

Everyone’s favourite nonsense writer -- The Times * The Times *
Much nonsense is published from time to time, but the gift of writing such precious nonsense as that which came from the pen of Mr Edward Lear is denied to most authors. -- The Guardian * The Guardian *

Edward Lear (1812–88) was an English painter and writer known primarily for his nonsense verse and for popularizing the limerick. His poem ‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ remains one of the nation’s favourites. An intrepid traveller, Lear explored Syria, Egypt and India, among many other places. He published three volumes of bird and animal drawings, seven illustrated travel books and four books of nonsense.