Dog

by John Hegley

This is a mongrel mix of prose, poem, cartoon strip, letter, and limerick. Musings upon his mum, his chum, his love, his love's loss, and salvation at the paws of his chum's mum's Welsh Border Collie. This collection of verse and drawings from the man dubbed "comedy's poet laureate" combines Hegley's skills as a stand-up poet, puppeteer, and cartoonist. The work is, by turns, both touching and funny.

Genres: Poetry, British Literature

92 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Gareth Howells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Hegley's style and this had me laughing out loud, as usual.
Brilliant stuff.

[Keen Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars!

I first came across Hegley on Radio 2 many moons ago, this is a decent enough little collection, but I am sure I remember him being funnier?...These are simple, at times a little quirky and there's even some room for some more introspective and sensitive moments.

Overall this wasn't too bad, and there were a few funny and clever moments buried in there too, Hegley also shows his playful side and there was also a bit of wisdom in the mix too, and all told this made for worthwhile reading.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic from Mr Hegley!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woof Woof Woof....
Wonderfully
Original
Ominously
Fluffy

Dangerously
OriGIN`lly....
Grate...

As those from Luton in the Know I'll give it Five.

[Jonny Brick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The usual high standard of nonsense, memoir-in-verse, acerbity and limericks. A national treasure in excelsis.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a jaunty mixture of poems, limericks and prose. Hegley plays with words and rhythms, adding unexpected rhymes (or non rhymes) and anti-climactic last lines to his poems. They are often comical, with a deceptive simplicity, and recurring references to potatoes and Luton Town! Yet amongst the comedy can be found some wistful and insightful moments.

An easy read but there's more to 'Dog' than initially meets the eye.

[Chris S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny.