Nonsense Books · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Nonsense Books by Edward Lear.
Chapter 1
How Pleasant to Know Mr. Lear!
A self-referential poem in which Edward Lear humorously describes himself, his appearance, habits, and eccentricities, reflecting on how he is perceived by others.
Chapter 2
Nonsense Books
A collection of Edward Lear's nonsense verses and stories, featuring whimsical characters and absurd adventures that explore themes of love, adventure, and the peculiarities of life.
Chapter 3
A Book of Nonsense
An Old Derry down Derry creates a book to bring joy and laughter to children, and they delight in its fun.
Chapter 4
Dedication
Edward Lear dedicates his book of drawings and verses to the great-grandchildren, grandnephews, and grandnieces of the 13th Earl of Derby, noting that most of the works were originally created for their parents. The dedication is dated London, 1862.
Chapter 5
Nonsense Rhymes and Pictures
A collection of short nonsense verses, each describing an eccentric old man or young person in a peculiar or absurd situation, often involving exaggerated physical features, bizarre behavior, or ironic outcomes.
Chapter 6
Nonsense Songs, Stories, Botany, and Alphabets
A collection of Edward Lear's nonsense works, including songs, stories, botanical illustrations, and alphabets, showcasing his whimsical and absurd literary style.
Chapter 7
Nonsense Songs
This chapter presents a collection of Edward Lear's nonsense poems, including 'The Owl and the Pussycat,' 'The Duck and the Kangaroo,' 'The Daddy Long-Legs and the Fly,' 'The Jumblies,' 'Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow,' and 'The Broom, the Shovel, the Poker, and the Tongs.' These whimsical verses follow characters on absurd adventures, romantic quests, and humorous encounters, celebrating imagination and the joy of defying convention.
Chapter 8
The Owl and the Pussycat
The Owl and the Pussycat sail away in a pea-green boat, fall in love, and journey to the land where the bong-tree grows to find a ring. They purchase a ring from a Piggy-wig, marry by the Turkey on the hill, and celebrate with a feast and a moonlit dance on the sand.
Chapter 9
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 10
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 11
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 12
The Duck and the Kangaroo
The Duck, bored with life in his pond, asks the Kangaroo for a ride on his back to explore the world beyond. The Kangaroo hesitates, concerned about the Duck's wet and cold feet. The Duck solves the problem by buying worsted socks, a cloak, and promising to smoke a cigar daily. Satisfied, the Kangaroo agrees, and together they hop around the world three times, overjoyed in their companionship.
Chapter 13
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 14
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 15
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 16
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 17
V
The chapter recounts the tragic fate of a character, presumably the Cummerbund, who is mourned by others. They search in vain for a bone to bury, lament her dreadful fate with Echo confirming it. Her Dobie is nailed to the wall with a warning inscription in yellow, blue, and green, cautioning fair people against sitting out late at night to avoid being swallowed by horrid Cummerbunds. The note indicates first publication in the Times of India, Bombay, July 1874.
Chapter 18
The Daddy Long-Legs and the Fly
Mr. Daddy Long-legs and Mr. Floppy Fly meet on a sandy shore, discuss their inability to fit in at court due to their leg lengths, lament their lost abilities, and ultimately sail away together to the Gromboolian Plain where they play eternally.
Chapter 19
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 20
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 21
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 22
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 23
V
The chapter recounts the tragic fate of a character, presumably the Cummerbund, who is mourned by others. They search in vain for a bone to bury, lament her dreadful fate with Echo confirming it. Her Dobie is nailed to the wall with a warning inscription in yellow, blue, and green, cautioning fair people against sitting out late at night to avoid being swallowed by horrid Cummerbunds. The note indicates first publication in the Times of India, Bombay, July 1874.
Chapter 24
VI
The Quangle Wangle reflects on the wonderful noise the creatures will make, and they all dance happily by the light of the Mulberry moon to the flute of the Blue Baboon on the Crumpetty Tree.
Chapter 25
VII
Lady Jingly Jones rejects Mr. Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò, telling him to go away despite his small body and large head.
Chapter 26
The Jumblies
The Jumblies, despite warnings from friends, set sail in a sieve on a stormy day. They endure leaks by wrapping their feet in paper and spending the night in a crockery-jar, singing happily. They sail to the Western Sea, buy various items, and return after twenty years, celebrated by all who marvel at their journey.
Chapter 27
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 28
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 29
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 30
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 31
V
The chapter recounts the tragic fate of a character, presumably the Cummerbund, who is mourned by others. They search in vain for a bone to bury, lament her dreadful fate with Echo confirming it. Her Dobie is nailed to the wall with a warning inscription in yellow, blue, and green, cautioning fair people against sitting out late at night to avoid being swallowed by horrid Cummerbunds. The note indicates first publication in the Times of India, Bombay, July 1874.
Chapter 32
VI
The Quangle Wangle reflects on the wonderful noise the creatures will make, and they all dance happily by the light of the Mulberry moon to the flute of the Blue Baboon on the Crumpetty Tree.
Chapter 33
The Nutcrackers and the Sugar-Tongs
The Nutcrackers and the Sugar-Tongs, tired of their idle existence, decide to ride horses without instruction. They hop downstairs, mount ponies, and race through the town to the shore, vowing never to return, as the household watches in amazement.
Chapter 34
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 35
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 36
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 37
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 38
V
The chapter recounts the tragic fate of a character, presumably the Cummerbund, who is mourned by others. They search in vain for a bone to bury, lament her dreadful fate with Echo confirming it. Her Dobie is nailed to the wall with a warning inscription in yellow, blue, and green, cautioning fair people against sitting out late at night to avoid being swallowed by horrid Cummerbunds. The note indicates first publication in the Times of India, Bombay, July 1874.
Chapter 39
VI
The Quangle Wangle reflects on the wonderful noise the creatures will make, and they all dance happily by the light of the Mulberry moon to the flute of the Blue Baboon on the Crumpetty Tree.
Chapter 40
Calico Pie
A whimsical poem describing various creatures—birds, fish, mice, and insects—who visit a magical calico world but never return to the speaker, emphasizing themes of loss and longing.
Chapter 41
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 42
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 43
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 44
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 45
Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow
Mr. and Mrs. Spikky Sparrow express mutual concern about each other's health and lack of proper headwear. They decide to fly to London, where they purchase a hat, bonnet, gown, sash, and slippers. Dressed in their new finery, they return to their nest, and their children admire their transformed appearance, confident they will now avoid cold and pain and look like other people.
Chapter 46
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 47
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 48
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 49
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 50
V
The chapter recounts the tragic fate of a character, presumably the Cummerbund, who is mourned by others. They search in vain for a bone to bury, lament her dreadful fate with Echo confirming it. Her Dobie is nailed to the wall with a warning inscription in yellow, blue, and green, cautioning fair people against sitting out late at night to avoid being swallowed by horrid Cummerbunds. The note indicates first publication in the Times of India, Bombay, July 1874.
Chapter 51
VI
The Quangle Wangle reflects on the wonderful noise the creatures will make, and they all dance happily by the light of the Mulberry moon to the flute of the Blue Baboon on the Crumpetty Tree.
Chapter 52
VII
Lady Jingly Jones rejects Mr. Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò, telling him to go away despite his small body and large head.
Chapter 53
The Broom, the Shovel, the Poker, and the Tongs
The Broom, the Shovel, the Poker, and the Tongs take a drive in the park, singing songs. The Poker declares his love for the Shovel, and the Tongs laments his unrequited affection for the Broom. The Broom and Shovel reject their advances, threatening violence, but after the coachman drives them home, they all reconcile and become happy again.
Chapter 54
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 55
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 56
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 57
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 58
The Table and the Chair
The Table and the Chair, despite their inability to walk, decide to take a stroll around town, causing a stir among the townspeople. They lose their way and are guided back home by a Ducky-quack, a Beetle, and a Mouse, after which they all dine and dance together.
Chapter 59
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 60
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 61
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 62
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 63
V
The chapter recounts the tragic fate of a character, presumably the Cummerbund, who is mourned by others. They search in vain for a bone to bury, lament her dreadful fate with Echo confirming it. Her Dobie is nailed to the wall with a warning inscription in yellow, blue, and green, cautioning fair people against sitting out late at night to avoid being swallowed by horrid Cummerbunds. The note indicates first publication in the Times of India, Bombay, July 1874.
Chapter 64
Nonsense Stories
This chapter includes 'The Story of the Four Little Children Who Went Round the World' and several histories of young animals (Parrots, Storks, Geese, Owls) that end in absurd and fatal mishaps, concluding with the parents' dramatic pickling and donation to a museum.
Chapter 65
The Story of the Four Little Children Who Went Round the World
Four children—Violet, Slingsby, Guy, and Lionel—set sail around the world with a cat and a Quangle-Wangle. They encounter absurd islands, a tree full of veal-cutlets and chocolate-drops, parrots whose tail feathers are stolen, a sea of ready-cooked soles, an orange tree storm, a cooperative Cauliflower, a malicious boy with a pumpkin, a field of mulberry-jam guarded by a sleeping ape, a Seeze Pyder that destroys their boat, and finally ride a Rhinoceros home, where they have it stuffed.
Chapter 66
The History of the Seven Families of the Lake Pipple-Popple
This chapter introduces the seven families living by Lake Pipple-Popple—Parrots, Storks, Geese, Owls, Guinea Pigs, Cats, and Fishes—each with distinct habits. The parents send their forty-nine children into the world with warnings, but each group of young meets a disastrous end due to quarreling, curiosity, or folly. The surviving creatures celebrate, and the grieving parents pickle themselves in bottles.
Chapter 67
Chapter I: Introductory
This introductory chapter sets the stage for the story by describing the Land of Gramble-Bramble, the great Lake Pipple-Popple, and the city of Tosh. It introduces the seven families who live by the lake, one of which lives in the lake itself, and hints at their identities to be revealed in the next chapter.
Chapter 68
Chapter II: The Seven Families
This chapter introduces seven families, each consisting of two old and seven young members: Parrots, Storks, Geese, Owls, Guinea Pigs, Cats, and Fishes.
Chapter 69
Chapter III: The Habits of the Seven Families
This chapter describes the daily lives and diets of the seven families—Parrots, Storks, Geese, Owls, Guinea Pigs, Cats, and Fishes—who all live together in harmony and happiness in their respective habitats.
Chapter 70
Chapter IV: The Children of the Seven Families Are Sent Away
The seven families decide to send their children out into the world, giving them each eight shillings, advice, chocolate-drops, and a pocketbook. Each set of parents warns their children against specific dangers and quarreling, and the forty-nine children depart with polite bows.
Chapter 71
Chapter V: The History of the Seven Young Parrots
The seven young Parrots, after setting out, find a tree with a single cherry. The oldest picks it, but the other six, hungry, try to take it. They fight violently, tearing each other to pieces until only the cherry and seven small green feathers remain.
Chapter 72
Chapter VI: The History of the Seven Young Storks
The seven young Storks set out on a journey, traveling for many weeks in straight and crooked lines, then running a great distance. They encounter a large frog but quarrel over how to divide it, allowing the frog to escape. Their argument escalates into a violent fight that lasts a week, and they ultimately peck each other to pieces, leaving only their bills.
Chapter 73
Chapter VII: The History of the Seven Young Geese
The seven young Geese travel across a plain and encounter a strange creature they identify as a Plum-pudding Flea. They sing to it, provoking it to approach and bark so loudly that all seven Geese die from the noise.
Chapter 74
Chapter VIII: The History of the Seven Young Owls
The seven young Owls set out on a journey, resting on tree branches and traveling only short distances. One dark night, they hear a mouse but cannot see it because the gas-lamps are unlit. The mouse confirms its presence, and the Owls leap from the tree, unaware of a well below. They fall in and drown within half a minute, ending their story abruptly.
Chapter 75
Chapter IX: The History of the Seven Young Guinea Pigs
Seven young Guinea Pigs, after falling asleep under a tiggory-tree in a garden, awake to find a large lettuce. They rush at it eagerly, but the impact causes a fatal inflammation of their noses, killing all seven.
Chapter 76
Chapter X: The History of the Seven Young Cats
The seven young Cats set off on their travels with delight and rapacity, but upon encountering a Clangle-Wangle, they chase it for four months until they all die of fatigue and exhaustion.
Chapter 77
Chapter XI: The History of the Seven Young Fishes
The seven young Fishes swim across Lake Pipple-Popple into the river and ocean, where they encounter a bright-blue Boss-Woss. They chase it into a deep mud hole, become trapped, and suffocate, meeting their end.
Chapter 78
Chapter XII: Of What Occurred Subsequently
After the deaths of the seven young Parrots, Storks, Geese, Owls, Guinea Pigs, Cats, and Fishes, the Frog, Plum-pudding Flea, Mouse, Clangle-Wangle, and Blue Boss-Woss gather to celebrate. They collect memorials—feathers, bills, lettuce, and a cherry—arrange them in a circle, dance a hornpipe, and hold a tea-party, garden-party, ball, and concert before returning home, filled with a mix of joy, respect, sympathy, satisfaction, and disgust.
Chapter 79
Chapter XIII: Of What Became of the Parents of the Forty-Nine Children
Upon learning of the catastrophic loss of all their children through newspaper reports, the parents of the forty-nine children—including two old Parrots, Storks, Geese, Owls, Guinea Pigs, Cats, and Fishes—refuse to eat further. They purchase large quantities of cayenne pepper, brandy, vinegar, blue sealing-wax, and seven large glass bottles with airtight stoppers. After a light supper, they take a formal and affecting leave of their numerous and distinguished acquaintance.
Chapter 80
Conclusion
The seven couples jump into pickling bottles, die, and are preserved to be displayed in a museum in Tosh for public contemplation.
Chapter 81
Nonsense Cookery
A satirical cookery column from the Nonsense Gazette, attributed to Professor Bosh, presenting absurd and impractical recipes for Amblongus Pie, Crumbobblious Cutlets, and Gosky Patties, along with botanical discoveries from fantastical locations.
Chapter 82
Three Receipts for Domestic Cookery
This chapter presents three absurd and nonsensical recipes: Amblongus Pie, Crumbobblious Cutlets, and Gosky Patties, each with increasingly ridiculous instructions that parody domestic cookery.
Chapter 83
To Make an Amblongus Pie
A nonsensical recipe for an Amblongus Pie, involving absurd cooking instructions and ingredients, culminating in throwing the finished pie out of the window.
Chapter 84
To Make Crumbobblious Cutlets
A nonsensical recipe for preparing Crumbobblious Cutlets, involving absurdly fine mincing, brushing with a clothes-brush, stirring with a salt-spoon or soup-ladle, sunning on a roof, and adding bizarre ingredients like lavender, oil of almonds, herring-bones, and clarified Crumbobblious sauce before serving in a tablecloth or napkin.
Chapter 85
To Make Gosky Patties
A nonsensical recipe for making Gosky Patties, involving a pig, various ingredients, and a repetitive beating process, with the outcome uncertain.
Chapter 86
Nonsense Botany
A whimsical catalog of imaginary botanical specimens, each with a playful Latin-esque name that blends absurdity with scientific parody.
Chapter 87
Nonsense Alphabets
A playful alphabetic journey through whimsical objects and characters, each letter introducing a vignette involving Papa, from a bottle of beer to a zebra, culminating in a series of suggested remedies for a boy's arm injury.
Chapter 88
More Nonsense Pictures, Rhymes, Botany, etc.
In the introduction to this third volume of nonsense, Edward Lear recounts the pleasure of public appreciation, clarifies that he alone composed the rhymes and illustrations (refuting rumors that Lord Derby was the author), and describes the origin and publication history of his earlier books. The chapter then presents a series of nonsense botany names and numerous short limerick-like verses featuring absurd characters and situations.
Chapter 89
Nonsense Botany
A whimsical catalog of imaginary botanical specimens, each with a playful Latin-esque name that blends absurdity with scientific parody.
Chapter 90
One Hundred Nonsense Pictures and Rhymes
A collection of short, whimsical limericks and nonsense verses describing eccentric characters and their absurd, often illogical actions and encounters.
Chapter 91
Twenty-Six Nonsense Rhymes and Pictures
A collection of twenty-six whimsical and absurd character portraits, each describing a fantastical creature or person with peculiar habits and nonsensical attributes, from the abstemious Ass to the zealous Zebra.
Chapter 92
Laughable Lyrics: A Fourth Book of Nonsense Poems, Songs, Botany, Music, etc.
This chapter presents a collection of nonsense poems, including 'The Dong with a Luminous Nose,' 'The Two Old Bachelors,' 'The Quangle Wangle's Hat,' 'The Cummerbund,' 'The Akond of Swat,' 'The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò,' 'The Pobble Who Has No Toes,' and 'The New Vestments.' These poems explore themes of love, loss, absurdity, and eccentricity through whimsical characters and fantastical adventures.
Chapter 93
Laughable Lyrics
This chapter collects several of Edward Lear's nonsense poems, including 'The Dong with a Luminous Nose,' 'The Two Old Bachelors,' 'Mr. and Mrs. Discobbolos,' 'The Quangle Wangle's Hat,' 'The Pelican Chorus,' and 'The Courtship of the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò.' The poems explore themes of love, loss, absurdity, and the search for belonging, featuring characters who embark on whimsical adventures, face heartbreak, or find contentment in eccentric circumstances.
Chapter 94
The Dong with a Luminous Nose
The Dong, once happy and gay, falls in love with a Jumbly Girl who arrives with the Jumblies in a sieve. After the Jumblies sail away, the Dong is left heartbroken and forever searches for his lost love. Unable to see at night, he constructs a large, luminous nose from the Twangum Tree and roams the Gromboolian plain eternally, playing a plaintive pipe and singing for his Jumbly Girl.
Chapter 95
The Two Old Bachelors
Two impoverished old bachelors, with only a Muffin and a Mouse, attempt to make a stuffing for dinner but lack Sage and Onion. They climb a hill to capture an ancient Sage for stuffing, but he knocks them down with his book. Returning home, they find the Mouse has eaten the Muffin and fled. The bachelors leave their home and are never heard from again.
Chapter 96
The Pelican Chorus
The King and Queen of the Pelicans celebrate their happy life on the Nile, describing their daily routines and the grand feast they held for their daughter Dell. At the feast, the King of the Cranes falls in love with Dell, wins her heart with a crocodile's egg and a fish-tart, and marries her. Dell leaves with the Cranes for distant lands, and the Pelican parents are left alone, mourning her absence under the moonlight.
Chapter 97
The Courtship of the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò
The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò, a lonely creature living on the Coast of Coromandel with only two old chairs, half a candle, and a jug without a handle, proposes marriage to Lady Jingly Jones. She sadly declines, revealing she already has a mate in England named Handel Jones. Heartbroken, the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò flees on the back of a Turtle across the ocean, while Lady Jingly remains on the coast mourning him.
Chapter 98
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 99
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 100
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 101
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 102
V
The chapter recounts the tragic fate of a character, presumably the Cummerbund, who is mourned by others. They search in vain for a bone to bury, lament her dreadful fate with Echo confirming it. Her Dobie is nailed to the wall with a warning inscription in yellow, blue, and green, cautioning fair people against sitting out late at night to avoid being swallowed by horrid Cummerbunds. The note indicates first publication in the Times of India, Bombay, July 1874.
Chapter 103
VI
The Quangle Wangle reflects on the wonderful noise the creatures will make, and they all dance happily by the light of the Mulberry moon to the flute of the Blue Baboon on the Crumpetty Tree.
Chapter 104
VII
Lady Jingly Jones rejects Mr. Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò, telling him to go away despite his small body and large head.
Chapter 105
VIII
The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò flees down the slopes of Myrtle to the sea, where he encounters a large turtle and convinces it to carry him across the sea.
Chapter 106
IX
The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò rides the Turtle across the silent-roaring ocean towards the sunset isles of Boshen, bidding farewell to Lady Jingly Jones.
Chapter 107
The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò
Lady Jingly Jones remains on the Coast of Coromandel, mourning the loss of the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò, who sailed away in his jug without a handle. She weeps daily on a heap of stones, lamenting to her Dorking Hens.
Chapter 108
The Pobble Who Has No Toes
The Pobble, who once had toes, loses them all after a sea voyage across the Bristol Channel, despite his Aunt Jobiska's precautions. He is rescued and brought home, where she consoles him with a feast and the observation that Pobbles are happier without toes.
Chapter 109
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 110
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 111
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 112
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 113
V
The chapter recounts the tragic fate of a character, presumably the Cummerbund, who is mourned by others. They search in vain for a bone to bury, lament her dreadful fate with Echo confirming it. Her Dobie is nailed to the wall with a warning inscription in yellow, blue, and green, cautioning fair people against sitting out late at night to avoid being swallowed by horrid Cummerbunds. The note indicates first publication in the Times of India, Bombay, July 1874.
Chapter 114
VI
The Quangle Wangle reflects on the wonderful noise the creatures will make, and they all dance happily by the light of the Mulberry moon to the flute of the Blue Baboon on the Crumpetty Tree.
Chapter 115
The New Vestments
An old man in the Kingdom of Tess invents a bizarre outfit made entirely of food and animal skins, but when he ventures outside, a mob of animals and children devour his clothing piece by piece, forcing him to flee home naked and swear never to wear such a dress again.
Chapter 116
Mr. and Mrs. Discobbolos
Mr. and Mrs. Discobbolos climb to the top of a wall to enjoy the sunset, but Mrs. Discobbolos suddenly worries they might fall. After initial concern, Mr. Discobbolos decides it is wiser to remain forever on the wall, and they joyfully sing about escaping life's troubles.
Chapter 117
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 118
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 119
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 120
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 121
The Quangle Wangle’s Hat
The Quangle Wangle sits atop the Crumpetty Tree, hidden by his enormous hat, and laments his solitary life. Soon, a parade of whimsical creatures—including Mr. and Mrs. Canary, the Stork, the Duck, the Owl, the Pobble, the Dong, and many others—beg to build their homes on his hat. He agrees, and they all dance joyfully together under the Mulberry moon.
Chapter 122
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 123
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 124
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 125
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 126
V
The chapter recounts the tragic fate of a character, presumably the Cummerbund, who is mourned by others. They search in vain for a bone to bury, lament her dreadful fate with Echo confirming it. Her Dobie is nailed to the wall with a warning inscription in yellow, blue, and green, cautioning fair people against sitting out late at night to avoid being swallowed by horrid Cummerbunds. The note indicates first publication in the Times of India, Bombay, July 1874.
Chapter 127
VI
The Quangle Wangle reflects on the wonderful noise the creatures will make, and they all dance happily by the light of the Mulberry moon to the flute of the Blue Baboon on the Crumpetty Tree.
Chapter 128
The Cummerbund
A lady sits on her Dobie watching the evening star, surrounded by exotic Indian flora and fauna, when a monstrous Cummerbund appears and swallows her. Despite a search, no remains are found, and a warning is posted against sitting out late at night.
Chapter 129
I
A woman sits on her Dobie watching the Evening Star, admired by passing Punkahs, while Kamsamahs and Kitmutgars adorn her surroundings.
Chapter 130
II
A brief poetic description of the landscape around a home, featuring a river with golden-finned Chuprassies, green Ayahs in trees, and the mournful sound of the Mussak at night.
Chapter 131
III
The chapter describes a surreal landscape where purple Nullahs, silvery Goreewallahs, little Bheesties, and an angry Jampan create a vivid and ominous atmosphere.
Chapter 132
IV
A Lady Fair, sitting on her Dobie, hears the Nimmak hum and a cry that the Cummerbund has come. She tries to flee but is pursued and ultimately swallowed by the angry monster before help arrives.
Chapter 133
V
The chapter recounts the tragic fate of a character, presumably the Cummerbund, who is mourned by others. They search in vain for a bone to bury, lament her dreadful fate with Echo confirming it. Her Dobie is nailed to the wall with a warning inscription in yellow, blue, and green, cautioning fair people against sitting out late at night to avoid being swallowed by horrid Cummerbunds. The note indicates first publication in the Times of India, Bombay, July 1874.
Chapter 134
The Akond of Swat
A whimsical and absurd poem that poses a series of unanswerable questions about the mysterious Akond of Swat, exploring his appearance, habits, governance, and personal life, ultimately concluding that no one truly knows who or what he is.
Chapter 135
Nonsense Botany
A whimsical catalog of imaginary botanical specimens, each with a playful Latin-esque name that blends absurdity with scientific parody.
Chapter 136
Nonsense Alphabets
A playful alphabetic journey through whimsical objects and characters, each letter introducing a vignette involving Papa, from a bottle of beer to a zebra, culminating in a series of suggested remedies for a boy's arm injury.
Chapter 137
List of Illustrations
This chapter provides a detailed catalog of illustrations from the book, depicting scenes from various nonsense poems including the adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat, the Duck and the Kangaroo, the Jumblies, the Dong, the Pobble, and the four children. It also includes alphabet illustrations and portraits of many eccentric characters, often in absurd or whimsical situations.
