Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes and More Ruthless Rhymes

by Harry Graham, Frank J. Moore (Illustrator)

For readers with an aversion to syrupy verse: a delightful, inexpensively priced collection of vintage verse with an amusingly irreverent mood. 49 examples of rare 19th-century black humor—each accompanied by clever drawings—will delight readers with their stinging humor and outrageous wit.

Genres: Poetry, Humor, Fiction, Childrens, British Literature

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Jocelyn Henry Clive "Harry" Graham was an English writer known for his darkly humorous verse, journalism, and lyric writing for operettas and musical comedies. Initially serving as an officer in the Coldstream Guards, he later became a full-time writer. His Ruthless Rhymes, published under the pseudonym [link=Col. D. Streamer|24069698], remain his most famous work, showcasing his talent for grotesque humor and wordplay. He also wrote lyrics for successful stage productions, including The Maid of the Mountains and English adaptations of operettas like The Land of Smiles. His best-known lyrics include You Are My Heart’s Delight and Goodbye.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who loves deliciously sardonic doggerel. Especially recommended for Gilbert & Sullivan listeners, Edward Gorey appreciators, and folk of that ilk. I definitely qualify as I once made a salt-dough set of Christmas tree ornaments shaped into figures of famous opera deaths: Scarpia impaled on his dagger, Tosca taking the high jump, Gilda in her sack, Radames hitting his last high C (and using up that last bit of oxygen in the tomb)... you get the picture.

If you love dark humor, these rhymes will set you giggling. They're wonderfully misanthropic -- it's hard to imagine that many of them are from the turn of the last century, a time most of us associate with a certain saccharine quality.

My favorite in the book is probably, "L'Enfant Glacé"

"When Baby's cries grew hard to bear
I popped him in the Frigidaire.
I never would have done so if
I'd known that he'd be frozen stiff.
My wife said: 'George, I'm so unhappé!
Our darling's now completely frappé!'"

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a kid I nearly asphxiated laughing at this. It inspired me, at 17, to compose one of my own.
*clears throat*
HAMBURGER PATTY
'Twas wrong to let my child of four
Roam about my butcher store.
At least it would have been much kinder
Not to let her near the grinder.
Patty, who I loved and prized
Was quickly chopped and tenderized.
Her horrid end is hard to take --
Too fat for chuck, too tough for steak!

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

British humor for teens and adults. This book tells about the secret thoughts people think about relatives, but won't say aloud!

[Mary Good · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly amusing

[RJC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satirical comedy in poetry, black humour, NOT suitable for a toddler...

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crazy this was published in 1901. I loved it.

[N. Niemeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prime Victorian/Edwardian doggerel.

[Shiloah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly my cup of caustic tea. ☕️

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stole this from my grandma's house when I was a little boy and just reread it with my wife as we were cleaning the house to move. Here's a sample:

SELF-SACRIFICE

Father, chancing to chastise
His indignant daughter Sue,
Said, "I hope you realise
That this hurts me more than you."

Susan straightway ceased to roar;
"If that's really true," said she,
"I can stand a good deal more;
Pray go on, and don't mind me."

Haha! And the illustrations, which I'm guessing come from the original 1899 edition, are simply unbeatable.

[Jem43 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given to me on my 8th birthday by my grandfather, this slim book is hillarious. Graham has such a caustic wit, all in good fun. I have cherished this remarkable read for nearly 40 years. Once you open to the first rhyme you will be a devoted fan. He lays bare the essence of family life at the fin-de-cicle in a style that may seem cruel, is in fact revelatory, and very funny. Makes an excellant bed-time book to read to yor little ones . Enjoy

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and quirky, not really for kids :-)

[Fishface · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only flaw in this volume of poetry is that is was not nearly long enough.