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In humorous but seriously intended light verse, David Ewbank explores the possibility of effectively resisting Trump’s hateful influence without becoming a confirmed, bitter hater.
ISBN 13 (SOFT): 9781698715605
ISBN 13 (eBook): 9781698715612
Other Books By This Author
The Lamb Cycle: What the Great English Poets Would Have Written About Mary and Her Lamb (Had They Thought of It First)
The rhyme Mary Had a Little Lamb told in the style—and substance—of the great English poets from Edmund Spenser to Stevie Smith.
Editorial Reviews
“What former English major wouldn’t get a kick out of The Lamb Cycle?” ― Washington Post
“Truly remarkable. . . . Not only is Ewbank deeply knowledgeable about each of his thirty-two targets and their poetry, but he has an uncanny ability to ventriloquize their voices without any disrespect or mockery. . . . Endlessly delightful.” ― Poetry Corner
“A tour de force for our times. The Lamb Cycle gives us a new take on Mary and her lamb. Whether evoking the Renaissance, the Victorian Age, or modern life in language and art, Ewbank and Feiffer perform with panache.” ― Martha’s Vineyard Times
“David Ewbank’s versatility in the art of literary imitation is nothing short of shapeshifting. Here are 32 high-wire acts of poetic impersonation, which ironically elevate Mary and her famous little lamb, while honoring the great English poets—all to the delight of every reader’s inner English major. Mother Goose herself rises to applaud, somehow. And Kate Feiffer’s drawings are a charming bonus.” — Billy Collins
“The Lamb Cycle made me laugh with delight even as it delivered a masterclass on poetic form. David R. Ewbank captures each of the great poets’ stylistic tics and thematic preoccupations, and imbues them with a visionary verve all his own. The poems are perfectly paired with Kate Feiffer’s elegant illustrations, brimming with wit and wonderment.” — Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and author of March
Amazon customer reviews
Tracey
5.0 out of 5 stars Witty and charming!
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2023
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This collection of poems is a delight! I adored the illustrations- keep an eye on Mary’s little red boots 🙂 A perfect gift for a poetry lover
IEZ
5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVE this book
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2023
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I love this book. I ordered a copy prepublication, and as soon as it arrived and I’d dipped into it, I ordered another copy for a friend’s birthday gift. The next day I bought six more copies for gifts. My very soul was torn to shreds as I struggled between sitting down and reading every poem or reading one and savoring it as long as i could before moving on to another. The Foreword, Preface, and Author’s Note shouldn’t be missed. And don’t miss the last poem for a surprise that is nothing short of hysterical. It took a week for me to decide which was my favorite illustration; it’s on page 44. I’ve recommended it to two book clubs because it’s definitely worth an hour or two of discussion. Enjoy!
3 people found this helpful
Petra Lent
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2023
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The Lamb Cycle is a loving parody of a wide selection of English poetry that made this English major laugh out loud, not to mention resolve to fill in the gaps in my reading. Matthew Arnold, for example? Kate Feiffer’s illustrations are graceful and charming. Sometimes a book comes along that you want to give to everyone in your life.
One person found this helpful
Anonymous
5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL!
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2023
The Lamb Cycle is a delightful little treasure of a book.
It will make you gasp, laugh, applaud – both for the excellent poetic imitations by David Ewbank and for the charming illustrations by Kate Feiffer.
I can’t choose which poem is the most spot on, the funniest, the best. They’re all remarkable. I suppose my favorite, though, is the Gerard Manley Hopkins “The Lambkin: To Lady Mary”: it was perfection and made me laugh out loud.
All of which is made the better by the illustrations, which are just fabulous. Whimsical, sweet, amusing.
I think this would make a wonderful gift. It belongs on everyone’s bedside table.
Enjoy!