1812-1888

Biography

In contrast to the playfulness of his verse, Edward Lear (1812-1888) led a lonely life, and he suffered from severe epilepsy and depression. An accomplished illustrator and painter, Lear was particularly adept at drawing animals. He popularized limericks with his collection A Book of Nonsense, published in 1846, and his most famous poem, “The Owl and the Pussycat,” reveals his talent for inventive wordplay.

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