Prometheus Books Martin Gardner's Favorite Poetic Parodies

Some famous poems ache to be parodied. In school they were required reading, and though we can still remember a verse or two, their greatness may have escaped us. Take, for instance, Longfellow's famous "The Village Blacksmith": Under a spreading chestnut-tree The village smithy stands; The smith, a might man is he With large and sinewy hands . . .

Most of us have heard it, and may be able to recite a few verses. But many may prefer "The Minnesota Wrestler" by Armand T. Ringer: Under the spreading repartee The St. Paul wrestler stands. The 'Body,' a mighty man is he, With large and sinewy hands . . . Ventura's hair, once black and long, Departed long ago; His brow was wet with honest sweat When he worked as a wrestling pro.

Whether you love poetry or just don't get it, you will enjoy these amusing poetic parodies, especially chosen for this unique collection by Martin Gardner, one of America's leading puzzlers, who enjoys a good lyrical spoof as much as he relishes a mathematical mindbinder.