Step into my parlor and explore the Victorian era through verse, humor, and art
Step into my parlor and explore the Victorian era through verse, humor, and artDiscover the curious and innovative Victorians and marvel at their inventions and discoveries, fashions and fads, along with more than a few peculiar habits and beliefs in Parlor Poetry: A Victorian Versification Abecedary.
The collection features 27 themes. There’s one for each letter of the alphabet, plus a former member of the club: the ampersand.
From the futuristic foreshadowing of Ada Lovelace’s algorithms to the strobing images of the Zoetrope, each poem captures the spirit of the Victorians in forms as varied as their era, from lighthearted limericks to intricate octosyllabic verse.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a poetry lover, or simply curious about the Victorians, this collection offers a delightful mix of wit, wisdom, and wordplay.
What’s Inside
- Original color illustrations by Olivia Wylie
- Relevant quotes from notable personalities and publications
- Informative overview pages for each topic
- 43 poems on 27 topics, from Ada to Zoetrope (plus the ampersand)
- Back-of-book extras
- Perfect for lovers of history, steampunk, and clever wordplay
Purchase your copy (eBook, paperback, or hardcover) at Amazon
What Readers are Saying
“Filled with a wealth of information, this book convincingly depicts the breadth of impact the Victorian era has had on contemporary society. This is a well-designed addition to library collections featuring Victorian era discoveries and global contributions.” Mary Lanni, Librarian and Book Reviewer, from her Goodreads review
“An absolutely charming collection of words, presented in a most appealing way. Truly a fun read, and would make a great gift.” Nurseferatu, from her Goodreads review
“This book has my highest recommendation, and should be read aloud to appreciate the rhyme and meter of the poetry. It is perfect to be read to children, who will love the Octopus, Velocipede and Zoetrope illustrations and explanations. Five stars all the way.” Albert Seligman, from his Goodreads review
“…Parlor Poetry feels like the perfect bridge between literary whimsy and today’s hunger for “slow culture.” Ayomide Samuel, unsolicited comment
“Today’s readers and book clubs are looking for books that do more than entertain. They want stories and collections that spark conversation, bring a fresh perspective, and celebrate creativity. Parlor Poetry delivers exactly that, blending history, art, and poetry into an engaging experience.” Sandra Lundgren, unsolicited comment
“What makes Parlor Poetry so special is the way it fuses whimsical rhyme, playful structure, and historical curiosity. By pairing witty verse with historical notes, you’ve crafted more than a poetry collection, you’ve created an immersive time capsule. Readers don’t just get to smile at the rhymes; they also walk away learning something about Ada Lovelace, the Zoetrope, and all the fascinating, quirky figures of the Victorian age.” Victoria E. Brown, unsolicited comment
“What I especially love is how you transform history into poetry that entertains as much as it educates.” Victoria Upchurch, unsolicited comment