Parodies of the works of English & American authors, vol. II

About this book

This volume presents a nineteenth‑century compilation of literary parodies, assembled by Walter Hamilton and his network of contributors. The editor’s opening essay declares parody a “critical exposition” that targets the “absurdities of writers” whose heroes act against nature and common sense. The collection gathers, in alphabetical order, the most notable imitations of poems and verses by a roster of celebrated English and American authors, Shakespeare, Milton, Dryden, Tennyson, Longfellow, Hood, Bret Harte, Arnold, Poe, and others, spanning the first two parts of the series. Each entry lists the original title in caps, followed by the parody, with attributions where known, and an extensive index for cross‑reference. The work also includes notes on sources, acknowledgments to those who supplied material, and a brief discussion of the art of parody itself, all presented in the scholarly yet accessible style of an 1885 London publication.

The tone is erudite and mildly humorous, reflecting Victorian sensibilities that prized both literary knowledge and witty subversion. Readers who enjoy close reading, historical literary criticism, or the playful side of poetry will find this anthology rewarding. It appeals especially to scholars of 18th‑ and 19th‑century literature, teachers seeking illustrative examples of satire, and anyone who appreciates the craft of turning revered verses into clever, often gently ribbing, reinterpretations.