Edward Lear hat den Limerick nicht erfunden, aber er hat ihn mit seinem Book of Nonsense (1846) weltberühmt gemacht. Er war auch ein hervorragender Maler und Illustrator, zeitweilig Zeichenlehrer von Queen Victoria. Die zweisprachige Neuausgabe der Limericks bringt sämtliche Limericks mit allen Zeichnungen ihres Autors in der kongenialen Übersetzung des Mannheimer Anglisten Theo Stemmler.
Edward Lear Books
Edward Lear was an English artist, illustrator, and writer celebrated for his literary nonsense, rendered in both poetry and prose. He is particularly recognized for popularizing the limerick form. His works continue to be cherished for their playfulness and distinctive linguistic style. Lear's legacy lies in his unique ability to find and celebrate the absurdities woven into everyday life.







Nonsense Rhymes
- 51 pages
- 2 hours of reading
A collection of nonsense rhymes and limericks by Edward Lear.
Selected Letters
- 325 pages
- 12 hours of reading
A selection of letters written by Edward Lear to artists, painters, zoologists, politicians and his sister. The correspondence spans his writing life and includes descriptions of his travels to Europe and the Middle East. This book is published on the centenary of his death.
The Nonsense Verse of Edward Lear
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Welcome to the world of Edward Lear! John Vernon's Lord's stunning illustrations completely capture the spirit and satirical wit of Lear's work, conveying a lifelong enthusiasm for Lear's nonsense.
365 Fairytales, Rhymes and Other Stories
- 384 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Presents an illustrated fairy tale, fable, nursery rhyme, or story for every day of the year.
The Owl and the Pussycat
- 10 pages
- 1 hour of reading
The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea...Join in the fun as your all-time favourite children's nursery rhymes are brought to life by Wendy Straw's charming illustrations. This fantastic collection will put the excitement into reading, as well as being an ideal way for children to learn the classics.
Poetry for Young People: Edward Lear
- 48 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Misunderstood by his peers and plagued by loneliness and low self-esteem, Edward Lear spent much of his time in the company of children, composing poems and songs for their amusement. This title looks at Lear's serious and silly sides before selecting 15 limericks and 18 longer poems by the 19th-century wordsmith.
Nonsense Alphabet
- 38 pages
- 2 hours of reading
The book features a unique illustrated nonsense alphabet created by Edward Lear in the mid-1840s, intended as a gift for an unknown child. Based on a poem published in 1877, it has been meticulously organized and illustrated by Lica Sainciuc over several decades, incorporating Lear's original drawings. This blend of poetry and art captures the whimsical essence of Lear's work, making it a delightful exploration of creativity and childhood imagination.
Featuring the complete collection of Lear's whimsical nonsense verse, this edition is a delightful blend of poetry and art, appealing to both adults and children. It showcases his imaginative illustrations, enhancing the playful and fantastical nature of the texts. The book serves as a charming tribute to Lear's creativity, inviting readers to explore the joy and absurdity found in his unique literary world.
The Owl and the Pussycat and Other Poems
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Edward Lear's whimsical poetry transforms ordinary language into delightful nonsense, characterized by imaginative wordplay and unexpected verses. His limericks, while varying in length, maintain a charming and creative essence, steering clear of scandalous themes. Notable works featured include "The Owl and the Pussycat," "The Pobble who has No Toes," and "The Quangle Wangle's Hat," all beautifully illustrated by Margaret Jervis. This edition showcases Lear's enchanting style on premium acid-free paper, highlighting the full-color illustrations that complement his playful verses.
The owl and the pussy cat went out to sea and had many adventures.
Edward Lear's journey through Albania and Macedonia in 1848 reveals the stark contrasts of the region, highlighting both its beauty and hardships. His detailed journals, prompted by a cholera outbreak, provide a rare glimpse into a place largely unexplored by foreigners. Through his unique observations, Lear captures the landscape, culture, and political climate, offering an intimate portrait of Albania. Lavishly illustrated with his own paintings, this work showcases the profound impact of the environment and its people on the artist's perspective.
Nonsense Poems for Kids
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Engaging young readers with classic English literature is the focus of this book, designed to inspire a love for reading through timeless stories. It offers carefully selected examples that highlight the beauty and richness of the English language, aiming to cultivate an appreciation for literary heritage in children. The book encourages exploration of various themes and characters, making it an ideal resource for parents seeking to introduce their children to the joys of reading and the world of literature.
Children's illustrated book along with Limericks Verses.
The Complete Nonsense and Other Verse
- 624 pages
- 22 hours of reading
'Nonsense is the breath of my nostrils', wrote Edward Lear (1812-88), and this collection demonstrates the varied ways in which he pursued his philosophy of life. Gently pointing out human follies and the absurdities of the conventional Victorian society in which he lived, Lear's nonsense has enchanted children and adults alike for generations.
One Hundred and One Classics of Victorian Verse
- 187 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Includes a selection of poems by Robert Browning, Emily Bronte, Matthew Arnold, William Butler Yeats, Rudyard Kipling, George Eliot, and others.
The Complete Nonsense of Edward Lear
- 317 pages
- 12 hours of reading
Edward Lear was the greatest nonsensicalist of all time. He was the inventor of the limerick and created the Jumblies and The Owl and the Pussycat. This complete edition of Lear's nonsense verse - including the limericks, longer verses, alphabets and his own illustrations - is lovingly restored and beautifully presented, for adults and children to enjoy together.
The book of nonsense and nonsense songs
- 176 pages
- 7 hours of reading
A collection of over 100 limericks with the author's original illustrations
Nonsense
- 64 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Features fables, decadence, heartbreak, tall tales, satire, ghosts, battles and elephants.
A Book of Nonsense and Other Poems
- 124 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Featuring playful poetry, this collection invites readers into a whimsical world full of joy and laughter. Edward Lear's imaginative verses celebrate wordplay and creativity, making it a delightful experience for audiences of all ages. Perfect for those who appreciate the charm of nonsense literature, this classic work encourages exploration and enjoyment of language in a lighthearted manner.
The Natural History Museum Library: Owls
A Premier Selection of Prints from the London Natural History Museum's Library of Wildlife Publications
- 96 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Edward Lears kompletter Nonsens. Limericks, Lieder, Balladen und Geschichten
- 402 pages
- 15 hours of reading
Edward Lear, der große Dichter, begeistert mit seinen Reimen und Zeichnungen. Er verzichtet auf langweilige Predigten und präsentiert stattdessen auf wunderbare Weise die schönsten Traumgesichter in Wort und Bild.
Die Geschichte von den vier kleinen Kindern, die rund um die Welt zogen
- 31 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Die Geschichte von vier Kindern, die um die Welt segelten
- 30 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Die Geschichte von den vier Kindern, die eine Weltreise machten
- 36 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Eine Nonsens-Geschichte, großartig illustriert von Klaus Ensikat. Vier Kinder zieht es in die Welt hinaus. Mit ihrem Segelboot geht es los, zurück kommen sie auf einem Nashorn. Und dazwischen? Dazwischen liegen eine Menge denkwürdiger Abenteuer.
Kompletter Nonsens
- 404 pages
- 15 hours of reading
Edward Lears kompletter Nonsens
- 233 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Edward Lear (1812-1888) bývá často považován pouze za autora humorných nonsensových pětiverší, zvaných limeriky. Svůj groteskní humor však rozvíjel i v jiných slovesných žánrech a také jako zkušený a vyhledávaný kreslíř, takže všechny své knihy, nejen pro malé čtenáře, doprovázel ilustracemi. Jeden z jeho obrázků tzv. nesmyslné botaniky - Sviňule pyramidální - dal název našemu výboru. Podkladem pro tento malý výbor je rozsáhlá Velká kniha nesmyslů (Mladá fronta, 1998). Knihu tehdy sestavil autorův český dvorní překladatel Antonín Přidal, kterému se podařilo velmi úspěšně splnit nadmíru nelehký úkol vytvořil kongeniální překlad nonsensů.
Soubor anglických nonsense verse Edwarda Leara, oněch u nás zdomácnělých absurdních třesků plesků, se dostává čtenářům do ruky v novém překladu Jana Vladislava, jenž vtipností a básnickou platností zdaleka překonává všechny předcházející pokusy.
Poetická nonsensová pětiverší anglického básníka Edwarda Leara byla jen za jeho života vydána třicetkrát, úspěšně přešla do našeho století a téměř každoročně jsou vydávána dodnes, jako by v nich byl autor sestrojil opravdové perpetuum mobile humoru. Jeho hravé říkanky mají svůj předobraz v lidové slovesnosti, Lear je však obohatil v nových obsahových detailech a variantách a rozpoutal v nich báječný jazykový humor, plynoucí nejen z groteskních rýmů, ale také z kontrastu mezi pitvorností výpovědi a jejím vážným vyjádřením. Věříme, že první český překlad těchto smysluplných "nesmyslů", jednoho ze šťastných plodů anglické humoristické literatury, přispěje blahodárně k osvěžení mysli a citového zázemí našich čtenářů.



















