Cobwebs from a Library Corner

by John Kendrick Bangs

Excerpt from Cobwebs From a Library Corner
A Little bit of Thackeray,
A little bit of Scott,
A modicum of Dickens just
To tangle up the plot,
A paraphrase of Marryat,
Another from Dumas -
You ask me for a novel, sir,
And I say, there you are.
The pen is greater than the sword,
Of that there is no doubt.
The pen for me whene'er I wish
An enemy to rout.
A pen, a pad, and say a pint
Of ink with which to scrawl,
To put a foe to flight is all
That's needed - truly all.
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Genres: Poetry

116 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1899

About the author

John Kendrick Bangs was an American author and satirist, and the creator of modern Bangsian fantasy, the school of fantasy writing that sets the plot wholly or partially in the afterlife.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chaucer, 'tis Not

Oh, it's a bit dated-as all "classic" poetry is- but there jewels scattered about. Thankfully, it is blessedly short. Perhaps you could memorize a verse or two for parlor entertainment.

[H.R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

Not bad, but also not the best. It's old enough that many born in the 90s or later will not understand what is being said in these poems.

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed most of these poems, especially the ones in the first section of the book, all of which dealt with books and literature as their subject. I even added more titles to my WTR list after looking up some of the authors mentioned in one of the poems. I liked best Bookworm Ballads ~ A Literary Feast; Ingredients Of Greatness; A Common Favorite; and A Bibliophile's Threat.

The second section, called Wise And Otherwise had some lovely poems, but many were dated and I did not understand the references to the various topics....but I do plan to research Commodore Dewey and see what he did in the Philippines so at least my curiosity will be satisfied on that topic. Favorite poems in this part of the collection were My Color; Contentment In Nature; To A Withered Rose; and The Pathetic Tale Of The Caddy Boy.

There is humor here, both obvious and between the lines. I plan to return to this collection in future, and also am looking forward to reading more titles by Bangs.

[Derek · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bangs is the type of poet who thinks his poetry is amazingly clever, because he's rich and white and knowledgable, but they're complete and utter garbage. He's the kind of poet that would think only poems that rhyme are poems. He is insufferable and his poetry, just like his unwavering sexism, eviscerates every ounce of fun a reader can have. I should have only stuck to his 'Idiot' titles -- they're by far his best work.