Cursory Rhymes

‘Cursory Rhymes’ is a collection of poems written for children, by one of the most popular poets of the early 20th Century. Packed with intelligent humour, these verses invite youngsters to experience the joys of wordplay and wit. With titles, such as ‘Poems Against Doctors,’ ‘The Zoo,’ and ‘Seaside,’ Wolfe reveals his anarchic side, tempered with simple rhyme schemes and topics that children will find easy to relate to. A superb introduction to poetry for youngsters, or for those who want to dip into the rhymes of the time.



Born in Milan, Humbert Wolfe (1885 – 1940) emigrated to the UK with his family, when he was six years old. Raised in Bradford, he went on to gain a first at Oxford University. After leaving, he pursued a career in the Civil Service, rising from a junior position in the Board of Trade to become Deputy Secretary to the Ministry of Labour.
Published in the 1920s, ‘Lampoons’ and ‘Requiem’ established him as one of the UK’s favourite poets of the time. Many of his works were set to music by composers, such as Gustav Holst. Wolfe died on his 55th birthday.