When Grandmama Fell Off the Boat: The Best of Harry Graham

Harry Graham was a comic genius. His light verse should be as celebrated as that of Belloc or Lear, but he seems to have fallen into relative obscurity. His universe is populated by self-centred monsters who are usually indifferent to tragedy and the sufferings of others. But, because the universe they inhabit is cartoonish, the effect is comedic, rather than vicious, the tone one of detached amusement. Most of all, at his best he's laugh-out-loud funny. This is a compilation and, as someone who's read most of his books, I'd say the selection represents his 'greatest hits'. A typical example: 'Auntie, did you feel no pain/Falling from that apple tree?/Will you do it, please, again?/’Cos my friend here didn’t see.' Some of the humour is dated (he was writing from around 1899 to the 1930s) and reflects an upper class sensibility (nannies, maids and chauffeurs sometimes feature), but this in itself gives the verses a certain period charm, akin to that felt reading P.G. Wodehouse. The copious line drawings in this collection are a treat too, many evoking the inter-war era. Aside from this collection, 'Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes' can often be picked up second-hand in various imprints, as can 'More Ruthless Rhymes', which are his best works. But if you like surreal bad taste (and who doesn't?), this volume is an excellent introduction to Mr Graham.

Harry Graham is one of those underrated poets of the modern age. His witty four-liners were a crucial part of my childhood, and the memories that were brought back by reading this made me smile for hours!If you want smart, witty poetry, Harry Graham is your man. Although this book is missing a few of his best, it is an excellent broadbrush introduction to anyone who remembers growing up on his Ruthless Rhymes, as it also introduces a few poems that i had previously not heard of.The choice of poems is good, with a range of types, and nicely set with a few dainty pictures. It loses a star as I feel it's a little dated, and perhaps there are a few poems missing i would have expected to see, but otherwise a joy to read. Highly recommend.

I am a long time admirer of Harry Graham and bought it as a present for a friend. Unfortunately I made the wrong choice. However I now have the pleasure of reading it myself .

I love funny verse but had not come across Harry Graham before . A treat.

I have given books of Harry Graham's verse to friends. I find him side-spittingly funny. Bought this largely because I knew nothing about his personal life - and was surprised. I won't give him away. Just wish I'd known him.

Not as amusing as I was expecting. I returned this book along with another by the same writer and that too wasn't good. I returned both books and I'm still waiting for the refund to my account. I've looked on the site a few times and there isn't a 'contact seller' window.

a gift from me.well received

This is the source of a 'quotation whose prevenance had been puzzling me for nigh on 50 years! The first five lines of 'Creature Comforts'.