Poems and Limericks of Edward Lear

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Edward Lear (1812-1888) was born in Holloway, London, and was the 20th of 21 children. His father was a stockbroker. He was raised by his sister, Ann, who was 21 years older than him and who continued to be a mother influence until her death, when Lear was 50. From childhood, Edward Lear suffered from multiple health conditions, including epilepsy, asthma and depression, and then later in life he became partially sighted. Lear had many talents. As well as his poetry, he was a respected artist and also a musician and composer. He became an ornithological draughtsman (bird artist) for the Zoological Society, and then later for the Earl of Derby. Edward was well travelled, visiting such places as Greece, Egypt, Sri Lanka and India but eventually settled in San Remo, Italy in 1870, where he stayed as his health declined until his death in 1888 from heart disease. Lear was known mostly for his literary nonsense in poetry and also his limericks, a poetic form that he popularised. His poems are a joy to read, ranging from childlike nursery fantasy (such as The Owl and the Pussy-Cat), to humorous observation and sheer nonsense. His ability to manipulate language is poetic genius and extremely satisfying to read.