The Real Mother Goose

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

10607

Title

The Real Mother Goose

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A vibrant collection of traditional nursery rhymes and folk songs, this volume offers a nostalgic journey into childhood classics. Featuring well-known favorites like 'Jack and Jill' and 'Humpty Dumpty,' the book captures the whimsical, rhythmic, and often humorous tone of oral tradition. Illustrated with charming detail, it serves as an enduring introduction to the cultural heritage of English nursery lore.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1916 and illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright, *The Real Mother Goose* serves as a comprehensive anthology that preserves the oral tradition of nursery verse. The collection is organized alphabetically by the opening lines of its rhymes, offering a rich tapestry of folk culture that spans from simple counting-out games to complex narrative ballads. The text maintains the simple, direct language characteristic of the genre, making it accessible to young readers while retaining the historical flavor of the original ballads. The anthology features a wide variety of themes, including animal fables, moral tales, lullabies, and cautionary stories. Notable entries include the playful absurdity of "The Cat and the Fiddle," where a cow jumps over the moon and a dish runs away with a spoon, and the cautionary tale of "The Man of Bombay," which warns against greed. The collection frequently employs personification, such as the cunning raven in "The Farmer and the Raven" or the industrious mice in "The Mouse and the Clock." Many songs, like "London Bridge" and "The Mulberry Bush," incorporate repetitive structures designed for group participation, reflecting the communal nature of these timeless songs. The book includes both famous verses and lesser-known rhymes, such as "The Man of Tobago" and "The Woman of Exeter," providing a diverse view of folk culture. The inclusion of narrative complexity in pieces like "The House That Jack Built" and the narrative of "The Death and Burial of Poor Cock Robin" highlights the literary depth found within nursery rhymes. By celebrating the creativity of these verses, the anthology offers a substantial look into the history and evolution of English nursery verse, ensuring that the oral traditions of the past remain accessible to future generations.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10607.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg10607.epub

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Categories

• Poetry
• Children's Literature