Harrison's Amusing Picture and Poetry Book by Unknown

(6 User reviews)   5283
By Robert Nguyen Posted on Dec 30, 2025
In Category - Geography
Unknown Unknown
English
Ever wondered what happens when a book's author completely disappears? That's the puzzle at the heart of 'Harrison's Amusing Picture and Poetry Book.' We have this charming, whimsical collection of rhymes and illustrations, but absolutely no clue who created it. The book itself is a delightful little mystery, wrapped in Victorian-era charm. It's a literary ghost story where the only 'ghost' is the missing person behind the pen. The real story isn't just in the pages—it's in the question of whose imagination brought them to life. It’s a short, sweet read that leaves you thinking long after you’ve closed the cover.
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of disconnected essays, really possess a strong bond of continuity. Running through the whole, implied, where not actually expressed, will be found an insistence on the principle which, in a former work, I ventured to call folk-memory. This folk-memory--unconsciously, for the most part, but sometimes with open ceremony--keeps alive those popular beliefs and practices which are individually called survivals. With some of these legacies from the past the present volume deals. To a large extent the studies are connected with the church and churchyard. The sections which treat of pagan sites, orientation, and burial customs, embody the results of observations relating to some hundreds of buildings in all parts of England and Wales. The chapters on “The Folk-Lore of the Cardinal Points” and “The Labour’d Ox” partially, at least, break virgin soil. In “The Churchyard Yew” are set down inferences drawn from many years of investigation, the literary side of which has been rendered difficult by the existence, in various modern works, of unfounded statements and hypothetical references. The remainder of the book treats of somewhat more familiar themes, though it is hoped that fresh outlooks are suggested. Since some of the matters here brought forward have been, and indeed still are, provocative of keen, and even heated controversy, to anticipate agreement with all the conclusions would be sheer folly. Nevertheless, it may be claimed that the facts collected have been carefully sifted, the references conscientiously verified, and the opposing theories honestly presented. To the multitude of friends who have rendered true service either by supplying information or in preparing the illustrations, most grateful thanks are expressed. Acknowledgements of all such help are recorded in due place, but special recognition must be made of the expert assistance of Mr Sydney Harrowing, who has borne the chief burden in illustrating the volume. To Miss Nora Mansell thanks are tendered for the drawing of Gumfreston church (Fig. 26). Fig. 93 is copied from a sketch prepared by Mr C. G. Carter, of Louth. Messrs Frank Cowley and F. J. Bennett, F.G.S., have kindly permitted the reproduction of an original painting (Fig. 87). Mr Worthington G. Smith, F.L.S., has courteously allowed Figs. 59 and 60 to be taken from _Man, the Primeval Savage_; Fig. 80 is copied by the consent of Professor R. S. Lull; and Figs. 4, 22 and 88 appear by the kindness of Mr David Sydenham, the Rev. Percival Saben, M.A., and the British Archaeological Association respectively. Dr W. Heneage Legge and Messrs G. Allen and Sons have granted the use of the block for Fig. 92, while Figs. 84 and 85 were photographed from a horseshoe lent by the Rev. Hastings M. Neville, B.A., of Ford, Northumberland. Many of the photographs were taken by Mr Edward Yates, who allowed free choice to be made from his large collection, but the following ladies and gentlemen have also assisted: Mr O. F. Bailey, Mr Alexander Barbour, Mr J. G. V. Dawson, Mr E. W. Filkins, Miss Truda Hutchinson, Mrs W. Johnson, Mr A. L. Leach, F.G.S., Mr Douglas Leighton, Mr P. McIntyre, F.G.S., Mr Llewellyn Treacher, F.G.S., Mr W. C. Walker, Mr E. C. Youens, Mr G. W. Young, F.G.S., F.Z.S., and Mr W. Plomer Young. Permission to use photographs has also been granted by Mr James Cheetham of Lewes, Messrs Thos. B. Latchmore and Son, Hitchin, Mr W. Wiseman, Corfe Castle, the _Grimsby Telegraph_ Company, and the Watford Engraving Company. W. J. _January, 1912_ CONTENTS PAGE I. CHURCHES ON PAGAN SITES 1 II. CHURCHES ON PAGAN SITES (_continued_) 51 III. THE SECULAR USES OF THE CHURCH FABRIC 101 IV. THE...

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This book is a genuine antique curiosity. It’s a small volume, likely from the mid-1800s, filled with playful poems and hand-colored illustrations meant for a family audience. The poems are simple and rhythmic, often funny or gently moralistic, and the pictures are full of detail and character. But from the very first page, you're met with a blank space where the author's name should be. The entire experience is framed by this one big, unanswered question.

The Story

There isn't a single narrative. Instead, you flip through a series of short, standalone poems. One might be about a mischievous cat knocking over a milk jug, another about a child flying a kite, or a silly man with overly large shoes. The 'story' is the journey through these snapshots of Victorian childhood and humor. But the overarching plot, if you can call it that, is your own detective work as you read, looking for clues in the text or art that might hint at who 'Unknown' really was.

Why You Should Read It

It’s a unique experience. You’re not just reading poems; you’re participating in a historical puzzle. The content is light and cheerful, but that mystery adds a fascinating layer. It makes you appreciate the work itself more, wondering about the person who took the time to create something meant to amuse, only to vanish from its history. It’s a powerful reminder of how many everyday creators from the past have been lost to time, even when their work survives.

Final Verdict

Perfect for lovers of vintage children's books, poetry enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys a bit of historical mystery. It's not a gripping thriller, but a quiet, thoughtful piece. If you like holding a piece of the past in your hands and letting your imagination fill in the blanks, this obscure little book is a small treasure.



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Steven Allen
1 year ago

After hearing about this author multiple times, the flow of the text seems very fluid. Don't hesitate to start reading.

Donna Jackson
4 months ago

Used this for my thesis, incredibly useful.

Michael Thompson
1 year ago

Without a doubt, the character development leaves a lasting impact. Highly recommended.

Anthony Jackson
2 years ago

This is one of those stories where the atmosphere created is totally immersive. A valuable addition to my collection.

Melissa Clark
1 year ago

A must-have for anyone studying this subject.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (6 User reviews )

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