The Book of Nonsense
A Book of Nonsense is Edward Lear's collection of comic limericks, each paired in the original edition with one of his own drawings. Lear first wrote many of them for the children of the Earl of Derby's family while working at Knowsley Hall, and the book, first published in 1846, is dedicated to their descendants. Its five-line verses introduce a parade of odd characters, such as an Old Man with a beard full of birds, a Young Lady whose nose reached her toes, and people from Tobago to Peru, each meeting some absurd fate. The verses helped make the limerick popular, and their mix of sense and nonsense has never lost its appeal. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first poems are free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Book of Nonsense
The Book of Nonsense by Edward Lear can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Book of Nonsense online?
Yes. The Book of Nonsense opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Book of Nonsense free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Book of Nonsense is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Book of Nonsense in the public domain?
Yes. The Book of Nonsense by Edward Lear is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Book of Nonsense?
About 15 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Book of Nonsense?
The Book of Nonsense by Edward Lear is filed under "Children's Classics" in the Vinteuil library.
