Origins of English Nonsense

Noel Malcolm is one of Britain’s most original scholar-journalists. He is the chief non-fiction reviewer for the Sunday Telegraph and writes widely on both literary and political matters. He is the editor of Hobbes’s correspondence and author of the best-selling Bosnia: A Short History. He briefs governments all over the world on Bosnia and Balkan matters and speaks most western and eastern European languages, both ancient and modern. He is now writing a biography of Hobbes.

‘What a versatile scholar Noel Malcolm is!… He has produced a work of equal erudition and great originality on a hitherto totally neglected, but curious and interesting subject: the“nonsense poetry”of the early 17th century… and it is only through Mr Malcolm’s brilliant scholarship that we can appreciate this missing chapter of our literary history.’Hugh Trevor Roper, Sunday Telegraph‘A readable, scholarly book… Malcolm restores to nonsense verse its rightful historical role as a medium for satire and parody and reckless play. He has helped rescue nonsense from whimsy.’Ian Sansom, Guardian‘A brilliant, argumentative book… Malcolm is a fine critic, and this exemplary study displays an exquisite literary sensibility operating at the height of its powers.’Robert McCrum, Observer‘A masterly piece of research… I do hope this publication will be applauded. People get chairs for less.’Peter Levi, Literary Review‘An elegant, enjoyable book which is a real contribution to literary history.’Jackie Wullschlager, Financial Times‘A delight.’Mark Archer, Spectator