Pictures, etc._, in 1872; and _Laughable Lyrics: A Fresh Book of Nonsense,
etc._, in 1877,--comprise all the "Nonsense Books" written by Mr. Lear.




"Surely the most beneficent and innocent of all books
yet produced is the _Book of Nonsense_, with its corollary
carols, inimitable and refreshing, and perfect in rhythm.
I really don't know any author to whom I am half so
grateful for my idle self as Edward Lear. I shall put
him first of my hundred authors."

JOHN RUSKIN,

In the _List of the Best Hundred Authors_.



[Illustration: EDWARD LEAR. ENGRAVED BY ANDREW FROM A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN IN
SAN REMO, BY RONCAROLO.]



CONTENTS.

I. A BOOK OF NONSENSE.
II. NONSENSE SONGS, STORIES, BOTANY, AND ALPHABETS.
III. MORE NONSENSE PICTURES, RHYMES, BOTANY, ETC.
IV. LAUGHABLE LYRICS: