Nonsense Books · Chapter
Dedication explained
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.
What happens
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.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Lear
The author and dedicatee of the book.
- Lord Derby
Edward, 13th Earl of Derby, whose descendants are the recipients of the dedication.
Key passages
“To the great-grandchildren, grandnephews, and grandnieces of Edward, 13th Earl of Derby, this book of drawings and verses ( The greater part of which were originally made and composed for their parents ,) As dedicated by the author, Edward Lear. London, 1862.”
This book is dedicated to the descendants of the 13th Earl of Derby, with most of its contents originally created for their parents.
The dedication establishes the familial and aristocratic context of the work.