The Laughing Willow Verses and Pictures - Whimsical Humor and Charming Illustrations

Oliver Herford

Summary

In "The Laughing Willow: Verses and Pictures," Oliver Herford intricately weaves whimsical poetry with charming illustrations, creating a delightful exploration of nature and the simplicity of childhood. Herford's literary style is characterized by playful language and a keen sense of humor, allowing readers of all ages to find joy in his verses. The book reflects the early 20th-century literary context, where the interplay between text and visual art became a significant approach, resonating with the Arts and Crafts movement and the burgeoning interest in children'Äôs literature. Oliver Herford, often dubbed as the 'Artistic Humorist,' was not only a poet and illustrator but also a close associate of artists and writers of his time. His rich background in drawing and his experiences in theatrical circles deeply influenced his creative endeavors, shaping a perspective that celebrates both visual and verbal forms of expression. These influences are palpably imbued in "The Laughing Willow," where his sharp wit meets endearing imagery, designed to evoke smiles and nostalgia. This enchanting collection is highly recommended for readers seeking to relive the innocence of childhood through artful expression. Ideal for both young audiences and adults yearning for a touch of whimsy, Herford'Äôs work invites readers to appreciate the beauty and laughter that can be found in everyday life.

Available since: 11/03/2023.

Print length: 62 pages.

Poetry & Theatre

Other books that might interest you

Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime and along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed plays. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers.
Romeo and Juliet had a profound influence on subsequent literature. Before then, romance had not even been viewed as a worthy topic for tragedy. In Harold Bloom's words, Shakespeare "invented the formula that the sexual becomes the erotic when crossed by the shadow of death". Of Shakespeare's works, Romeo and Juliet has generated the most—and the most varied—adaptations, including prose and verse narratives, drama, opera, orchestral and choral music, ballet, film, television, and painting. The word "Romeo" has even become synonymous with "male lover" in English. 
The most famous and inspirational works of William Shakespeare include: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, Orpheus, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Troilus and Cressida, The Tempest, Venus and Adonis, Antony and Cleopatra, Measure for Measure, The Winter's Tale and many more.

Show book

Oedipus

Sophocles

'Vengeance will be taken on the killer, then the land will be clean. The contamination will be washed away. The rains will come and the people will be healed.'
According to the Oracle, if the murderer of old King Laius is found and punished then all will be well. The people turn to their new ruler, Oedipus, the man who solved the riddle of the Sphinx, to hunt down the perpetrator and bring salvation.
He vows to succeed whatever the cost – and so begins an unstoppable pursuit of the truth through a harrowing labyrinth of fear and love.
Intimate and revelatory, Ella Hickson's version of Sophocles' transcendent tragedy premiered at The Old Vic, London, in 2025, produced by The Old Vic in association with Hofesh Shechter Company. It was co-directed by Matthew Warchus and Hofesh Shechter, and starred Rami Malek and Indira Varma.

Show book

Metamorphosis - An Anthology

Joe Graves, Devon Ortega

"Change is natural—beautiful, cathartic, necessary. But change is also painful, ugly,vdestructive. It’s one of life’s only constants. You can either embrace it or struggle against it. But it’s unlikely you’ll ever stop it. This collection of 29 short stories, poems, and essays will take your breath away, break your heart, and even inspire transformation in your life. Because there’s no time like the present to break out of your shell, spread your wings, and embrace your own metamorphosis. Written by members of The Ohio Writers’ Association. This is their second audio book collaboration with members of the Ohio Audiobook Narrators. """"Wild Animals"""" by James Siegel, narrated by Gretchen LaBuhn """"Upon The Zinnia Petal"""" by Curtis Deeter, narrated by Gary Smith """"The Hidden"""" by Ellen Austin-Li, narrated by Angus Freathy """"The Sisters"""" by Jamie Galioto, narrated by Danielle Muething """"Chaoyangia"""" by Dong Isbister, narrated by Doug McDonald """"A Place For My Brother"""" by Susan Oelbracht, narrated by Doug McDonald """"Spring Forward"""" by Elizabeth Barrickman, narrated by Angus Freathy """"Experiments In Living Chemistry"""" by Kelly Ferguson, narrated by Gretchen LaBuhn """"I Am Gilgamesh"""" by John Graham, narrated by Rob Reider """"On Seeing My Great Granddaughter In The Womb"""" by Robin Mullet, narrated by Becky White """"Lump"""" by Devon Ortega, narrated by Danielle Muething """"Transparent"""" by Heidi Heiby, narrated by Danielle Muething """"Miracle Of The Mass"""" by Charlene Fix, narrated by Angus Freathy """"My Patient, My Aunt"""" by Nadia Ibrashi, narrated by Becky White """"Mystery School"""" by Nadia Ibrashi, narrated by Becky White """"Negala Clouds"""" by Felicia Cameron, narrated by Rob Reider """"The Blown Harp Lesson"""" by Pamela Spence, narrated by Angus Freathy """"The Rift by Timothy Doyle"""" narrated by Doug McDonald """"The Guts That Come With Love"""" by Schyler Butler, narrated by Angus Freathy """"The Sheriff"""" by George Pallas, narated by Doug McDonald Unbecoming"""" by Devon Ortega, narrated by Gretchen LaBuhn """"Red: A Fairy Tale"""" by Jim Hodnett, narrated by Danielle Muething """"The Last Susan"""" by Christina Moore, narrated by Angus Freathy """"Aubade"""" by Karen Schubert, narrated by Becky White """"Grandma Teague And Me"""" by Stella Ling, narrated by Gretchen LaBuhn """"At The Crossing"""" by Kathy Nicklaus, narrated by Doug McDonald """"Eight Billion Wolves"""" by Jeffrey Mckee, narrated by Doug McDonald """"Fair Flip"""" by Charles O'Donnell, narrated by Gary Smith """"On The Way To Proximata"""" by Joseph Graves, narrated by Becky White & Gary Smith "

Show book

Top 10 Poets – The U S The -...

Wallace Stevens, Edna St Vincent...

The language of Poetry is an art that most of us attempt at some point in our lives.  Although its commonplace exposure has been somewhat marginalised in today’s often fast-paced lives we all recognise good verse that can empathise with our thoughts or open us up to experience new things in new ways, to better understand and to enjoy the many strands of our lives. 
But finding a starting point can be overwhelming, even off-putting, so in this series we offer up our Top 10 classic poets, who brim with talent and verse, on a range of subjects and themes that we can all enjoy. 
The United States may be far younger than many nations on Earth, yet its tumultuous history has reaped a harvest of poets and poetry of very fine calibre.  In this volume we explore the verse of the Mid-Atlantic.

Show book

The Prophet

Kahlil Gibran

"The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran is a profoundly spiritual and philosophical collection of poetic essays that has captivated readers worldwide with its timeless insights into the human condition. Set against the backdrop of a fictional Middle Eastern village, the narrative unfolds through the character of Almustafa, the titular prophet, who, on the eve of his departure after twelve years of exile, shares his deep reflections on life, love, sorrow, joy, and mortality with the townspeople. Each essay addresses essential aspects of life—from marriage and parenting to work and freedom—offering wisdom that seeks to uplift the spirit and enrich the soul. Gibran's eloquent prose is both lyrical and accessible, making profound philosophical concepts resonate with readers of all backgrounds. The book not only explores the trials and tribulations of individual existence but also delves into the communal and universal truths that bind humanity together, making "The Prophet" a cherished classic in modern literature.

Show book

Ancient Egyptian Legends

Margaret Alice Murray

Brought to you by Altrusian Grace Media and narrated by Matthew Schmitz.
"Ancient Egyptian Legends" by Margaret Alice Murray is a collection of mythological tales written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the rich legends of ancient Egyptian gods and their exploits, offering readers an accessible retelling of stories that have captivated scholars and enthusiasts alike. Aimed at a general audience, it presents narratives of legendary figures such as King Rameses, Osiris, and Horus, highlighting their adventures and relationships within a vibrant mythological context. The opening of the work introduces the premise and intentions behind the narratives presented. The author explains her approach to retelling these legends, maintaining the essence of the Egyptian stories while adapting them for English readers. The first story, "The Princess and the Demon," features King Rameses, who is beset with challenges surrounding his newfound love, Queen Neferu-Ra, and her family. As the tale unfolds, it explores themes of love, duty, and supernatural intervention, setting the stage for the epic conflicts and divine interactions that characterize the subsequent stories in the collection. Overall, this introduction promises a rich exploration of Egyptian mythology, inviting the reader into a fascinating world of gods, kings, and enchanted beings.
Eleven tales of mythology concerning the Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. Stories such as The Princess And The Demon, The King's Dream, The Book Of Thoth, The Scorpians Of Isis, The Battles Of Horus, The Name Of Ra and The Regions Of Night And Darkness.

Show book