Edward Lear (1812–1888)

I've read several illustrated versions of the Owl and the Pussycat, and hands-down, this one has the MOST GORGEOUS illustrations I've ever seen! My only complaint about this book is that it wasn't bigger, because the illustrations really do merit closer study (the dimensions of this book are relatively small, the pages are not paper, but cardboard, so this is a book designed to stand up to wear and tear from smaller kids, and these kinds of books usually tend to be smaller length and show more width-wise for easier handling by smaller hands)

There is not one single page that does not have beautiful illustrations. The feathers on the owl are individually-drawn, and the cat looks too adorable in her dress. The poem itself might be silly, but the illustrations really do bring the words to life. show less

I was initially drawn to Jan Brett’s artwork for it’s Ukrainian and Eastern European flavour, but I love the fact that she explores other cultures for different books. Poems like Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussycat” do not focus on specific tropes or use culture-specific language, so they are the perfect literary medium to pair with an experimental style, which Brett does in this instance by choosing to place the Owl and the Pussycat in a decidedly South American setting. Even though show more Brett moves away from her signature detailed-border style with this book I still found that the artwork tells of the couple’s journey across the ocean very effectively. She uses the frame of the ocean to give montages of sea-life and really pushes the boundaries of composition to give Lear’s simplistic poem more depth, picturing the Owl catching dinner in the ocean and the Pussycat’s insistent attitude that they marry. The story may not have the unique draw of Brett’s Ukrainian folktales, but it is a charming addition to her oeuvre none-the-less! show less

Edward Lear's classic children's poem, originally included in his 1871 collection, Nonsense Songs, Stories, Botany, and Alphabets, is here presented in picture-book form, with lovely watercolor illustrations by Charlotte Voake. As the story unfolds, the titular strigine and feline heroes head to sea in a pea-green boat, serenading and then proposing to one another, before wedding in a tropical paradise. The poem concludes as the happy pair dances by the light of the moon...

Although long show more aware of The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, which was recently named Britain's favorite children's poem, I had never had the pleasure of reading it, before picking up this edition illustrated by Voake. I'm glad that I finally got around to it, as it is a wonderful little work, one that is immense fun to read to aloud, and one whose imaginative nonsense leaves the reader wanting more. Fortunately for them, popular British children's author Julia Donaldson recently penned a sequel, The Further Adventures of The Owl and the Pussy-Cat, also illustrated by Voake. show less

This is a wonderful book and not just for lovers of travel. Edward Lear, renowned for his nonsense verse and his exquisite water colours came to Crete in 1864 and this beautiful volume records his travels and experiences in Crete. Lear came to Crete after a long and loving sojourn in Corfu.

First let me deal with the book qua book. The copy I have is a particularly fine production that was published in Athens in the 'Romiosyni Series' (studies and translations in the field of modern Greek show more culture). I quote from an entry on Abebooks : "Full brown cloth, illus. blocked in gilt to front board; 117pp.; illus. bw. drawings/tipped-in col. plates". This a truly handsome book that is lovely to behold and grand to hold. The illustrations are Lear's own work and are beautiful (BTW when they say tipped in it indicates that the illustrations are printed separately from the book itself and are effectively glued onto the pages. There are intruguing sketches, gorgeous watercolours and, amusing cartoons scattered throughout the text which is quarto in format. It also includes a map, a glossary, and an index. What more could one want in a travel book?

The text is adapted from Lear's handwritten journal and at least one page of his actual journal is reproduced. Lear managed to arrive in Crete during a particularly wet and cold April and stayed until May and while the weather improved during his stay it clearly influenced his opinions and they are also coloured by comparison to his beloved Corfu. For all of the negative taint Lear still finds the people unremittingly kind and generous, if dirty and odorous. The landscapes and the crops - such as he can see them - leave him largely unimpressed but for a modern reader comparing the historic landscapes and the current is enlightening. I, for one, had never realised or noticed that the olive trees at the westernmost end of the island are stunted but, on close inspection, it holds true to this day. Some Cretophiles I have spoken with found Lear's somewhat disparaging descriptions a barrier to enjoying this magnificent volume but I had no such problem. I love this book and will recommend it to anyone and everyone. show less