The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe

"The Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to Saxe" by James Parton is a collection of humorous poetry that spans from the 14th century to the 19th century. This anthology showcases a wide range of comic forms, including narratives, satires, burlesques, and epigrams from significant poets and satirists throughout English literature. The volume aims to present the best shorter humorous poems accessible to modern readers, allowing them to enjoy the wit and irony of the English literary tradition. The opening of the anthology includes a preface outlining the editor's intentions, emphasizing the lack of obscenity and the choice of works that remain relatable to contemporary audiences. Parton notes that despite the richness of humor in conversational forms, the actual quantity of effective humorous poetry is limited. The initial selection features poems from notable figures, including Chaucer, Burns, and Byron, focusing on playful themes that range from the comic trials of everyday life to light-hearted reflections on love and nature. The early works exhibit a delightful variety of comedic devices and approaches that engage the reader with laughter, setting the tone for a journey through the amusing intricacies of English poetry.