Press "Enter" to skip to content

Parlor Poetry: A Victorian Versification Abecedary

An illustrated A-to-Z celebration of Victorian inventions, oddities, and imagination

From Ada Lovelace to the Zoetrope (plus a bonus ampersand), this alphabet of verse captures the quirky history of the Victorian era in poetic form. A witty, whimsical celebration of one of the most imaginative eras of all time. Includes color illustrations by Olivia Wylie.

 

What’s Inside

  • 137 pages – paperback, hard cover, Kindle versions available
  • 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

Find Parlor Poetry at your Favorite Online Store

A high-quality hardback version is also being printed in the UK and is available at The Great British Book Shop

What Readers are Saying

“The perfect companion to anyone who loves period dramas or movies set during the Victorian era, this book is loaded with lovely details that highlight some of the most interesting tidbits of the age.” Chad Edward Hensley

“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

Read how the idea for this book came to me in “Why Poetry?” at Long and Short Reviews


Subscribe to my Newsletter