An Anthology of Light Verse edited by Louis Kronenberger

An Anthology of Light Verse edited by Louis Kronenberger is a charming and highly readable collection bringing together humorous, witty and entertaining poetry from the sixteenth century through to the early twentieth century. First issued in the Modern Library in 1935, this substantial anthology was assembled and introduced by American critic and editor Louis Kronenberger and became Modern Library title No. 48.

Kronenberger’s selection demonstrates just how broad the tradition of “light verse” can be. Rather than restricting itself simply to comic poetry, the anthology encompasses satire, parody, epigram, playful observation and sophisticated literary humour. An Anthology of Light Verse draws on several centuries of English-language poetry and includes work associated with writers such as William Shakespeare, Alexander Pope, Lewis Carroll, W. S. Gilbert, Dorothy Parker, Ogden Nash and Edna St. Vincent Millay, among numerous others.

This copy is particularly attractive as an example of early Modern Library book design. It is bound in green cloth with gilt decoration and a contrasting brown title panel to the front board, with matching gilt and brown detailing to the spine. The distinctive Modern Library running torchbearer device is incorporated into the binding design. The copyright page identifies the publication as Copyright 1935 by The Modern Library, Inc.

An Anthology of Light Verse is an appealing vintage poetry anthology for collectors of Modern Library editions, humorous poetry, literary anthologies and twentieth-century American publishing. It also offers an accessible introduction to several centuries of comic and light-hearted English verse.

Condition – Very Good

Green cloth hardcover with attractive gilt and brown decoration remaining clear. Light general shelf and age wear is present, with age toning/discolouration to the page edges.