I would NOT recommend this book to be in an elementary or middle school library based on the historical forthrightness of some of the rhymes. For example, in chapter one, there is a short rhyme that jokes about burning the Pope (which also calls him a fagot). Also in this chapter, there is a list showing how many times murder, violence, etc, is mentioned in the mother goose rhymes in attempt of spurring a nursery rhyme reformation.

I love these Annotated books and this is no exception. Want to know who the Dish and the Spoon really were? Why did Jack jump over the candlestick? Read this book. ( )

This book gives far more information on mother goose rhymes, and far more of the rhymes themselves, than I thought existed. This is an excellent resource for a primary school teacher, or any person who is interested in the meanings, sources, and variations of nursery rhymes.

I bought this book at Townsends. But I remember seeing it at a used bookstore in Charleston while shopping with Tim. I bought M L'E's Small Rain that day. This gives fun history into the rhymes. I also want to someday get the Opie's collections on the same subject. ( )

This book is an invaluable guide towards understanding and interpreting the Mother Goose rhymes. While some of the annotations herein may be subject to revision and newer interpretations, this is an excellent place from which to begin. ( )