Poems and Sketches of E. B. White

by E.B. White

Elwyn Brooks White (1899 – 1985) was an American writer. He was a leading American essayist, author, humorist, poet and literary stylist and author of such beloved children's classics as Charlotte's Web (1952), Stuart Little (1945), and The Trumpet of the Swan (1970). He graduated from Cornell University in 1921 and, five or six years later, joined the staff of The New Yorker magazine. He authored over seventeen books of prose and poetry and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1973. This book offers a collection of approximately fifty poems and thirty-five sketches, stories, parodies, and commentary, selected by the author from his lifetime of writing.

Genres: Poetry, Short Stories, Nonfiction, Essays

217 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Elwyn Brooks White was a leading American essayist, author, humorist, poet and literary stylist and author of such beloved children's classics as Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. He graduated from Cornell University in 1921 and, five or six years later, joined the staff of The New Yorker magazine. He authored over seventeen books of prose and poetry and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1973.

White always said that he found writing difficult and bad for one's disposition.

Mr. White has won countless awards, including the 1971 National Medal for Literature and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, which commended him for making “a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children.”

Reviews

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special book for me as this is the one EB White signed and sent me for Christmas one year. I love all his books, they are each unique and have fed me. But this one is special.

[Jerry Dreesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

E B White's sketches, in particular, are sophisticated and witty. A delight to read!

[Dan Trefethen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a mix of poetry and 'sketches', which are very short stories for the most part. Mixed is the word for it; it's a mixed bag.

In the introduction White confesses that he's not really a poet, but he likes to write a poem once in awhile. His talent lies elsewhere. Most of the poetry is either poems about nature using routine metaphors, or humorous doggerel that would be compared most closely with Ogden Nash.

The sketches are more substantial and some are quite good. I imagine many of them were published in the New Yorker since he was a regular writer there. However, most are short (probably to fit the needs of the magazine) and aren't as good as the longer pieces in a companion book, the Essays of E.B. White.

I wouldn't encourage newbies to White to pick this up. Pick up the book of essays, or even the book of letters. Or just go straight to his novels - there's nothing wrong with Charlotte's Web or Stuart Little, they're both gems.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection was witty and interesting, and a little dated.

[Stephanie Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I believe in dream. People should have faith in the songs poets sing.” 💖

[Rebecca]

I absolutely love E.B. White and I never knew he wrote poetry! I just bought a first edition of this book and I can't wait to read it! After all, nothing White ever published was less than masterful, so I know I'm in for a treat.

[Coates · Rating 3 out of 5]

the non-fiction: 4 stars
the fictional sketches: 3 stars
the poems: 2 stars
I would have appreciated more context for the individual pieces.

[Henry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing DNF

[Lauren Crider]

Great essayist and novelist…not so much a poet though.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly refreshing and timeless!

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

These were all just okay, which surprises me because I love Here is New York and his children's stories.

[Stephanie Ricker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly liked this book because a very good friend gave me an exquisite copy of it right when I needed it most. The poetry isn't very good, I'm afraid, but the prose is occasionally very amusing!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything that E.B. White has written, except oddly, "Charlottes Web"

This book contains one of my favourite poems:

"Boston Is Like No Other Place in the World, Only More So"

[R.K. Cowles · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/4 stars

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

E. B. White excelled at the personal essay and children's books,not so much with fiction and poetry which was quite dated and banal.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've come back to this book many times over the years. Enjoyable each time. Sometimes I just open it for a few pages and skip around.