born Highgate, London 1812 - died San Remo, Italy 1888
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Edward Lear must
be one of the oddest figures in English literature. He was a serious
landscape and ornithological painter yet is best known as the father
of English 'nonsense'.
In his early twenties he spent four years painting the bird collection
of the Earl of Derby. While doing this he used to write amusing limericks
for the Earl's children and illustrate them with simple pen drawings
many of which you will find on this site.
For a brief period he taught drawing to Queen Victoria.
He travelled a lot and spent a lot of time in France and especially
in Italy where he bought a villa.
If you would like to know more about Edward Lear then the best web site
is: http://edwardlear.tripod.com/
You can also
join the Edward Lear mailing list there.
For books, prints and other Lear Goodies go to our Lear Shop
What promises to
be the best Edward Lear book is:
The
Complete Verse and Other Nonsense