Edward Lear (1812-1888) is known the world over as the author of the Book of Nonsense, and The Owl and the Pussy Cat was voted top in the recent BBC Nation's Favourite Children's Poem poll. Less well known, but increasingly more recognised, is his reputation as a leading artist of the day, popular travel writer and even composer - he set many of his friend Tennyson's poems to music. Despite his popularity, he never married, prompting theories that he was homosexual. However, Michael Montgomery finds that his voluminous diaries and letters paint quite the opposite picture. 'I wish to goodness I could get a wife!', he wrote from Italy at the age of 25 while the diaries record nearly 40 pretty females that caught his fancy. A weak chest, poor eyesight, a permanent want of money and a fear, given his relatively humble origins, that he would not be considered 'good enough' in the elevated circles that he came to move in - all conspired against him. Greater than all these obstacles, however, was his epilepsy, which in those days was considered almost akin to madness. Even so, Lear found himself on the point of proposing three times before he was thwarted by events beyond his control, and it was only when in his 70s that fear of inflicting it on another finally got the better of him. The OWL and the PUSSY CATS tells the tragic story of a man who gave such pleasure to countless millions of children, yet was deprived the joy of having any of his own."The story of his life is deeply tragic, but at the same time a truly inspiring one." Nicholas Parsons, Presenter of How Pleasant to Know Mr. Lear"Few characters in Victorian England were more popular than Lear." The Times"A noble laureate among Lear scholars, Michael Montgomery makes the case for the great man as a disappointed, though decidedly heterosexual, romantic, forever yearning to dance with some suitable pussycat by the light of the moon. His book provides a fascinating insight into the psyche of the Victorian outsider." Tom Hodgkinson, formerly Deputy Editor, The Literary Review"Most readers know Edward Lear as a children's book writer, but Michael Montgomery shows him to be much more. In this lively biography, Lear's rich and fascinating life is described with a liveliness worth of Lear's own colorful spirit and personality. It is a joy to read." Prof. Robert M Peck, Senior Fellow, Drexel University, Philadelphia
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