Harry Graham (1874–1936)

This book shows that cruel jokes were as prevalent over a 100 years ago as they are now--or perhaps I should say cruel verse. Nothing here is particularly funny, and while Graham may be in some ways a forerunner to the peerless Edward Gorey, his rhymes lack the sophistication, humor, and quality that mark Gorey's work. One or two of these, taken separately, can be a bit amusing, but reading this whole collection makes you wonder how it got published. The illustrations are quite good, however.

Don't know how I missed these wicked little poems. Share them with your kids if you dare.