Albert Jack will make you aware, very aware, of the blood-thirsty origin of many an “innocent” nursery rhyme. Tales of war, wooing, monarchs, religion, disease and disaster are embedded in those rhymes used to sooth and amuse children over the centuries. Prepare to be amused and amazed at just what can be revealed by something so innocent as Three Blind Mice.

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The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes, Iona & Peter Opie
Mother Tongue: The Story of the English Language, Bill Bryson

Synopsis

Mr Jack has been nimble and he's been quick, searching through the history of nursery rhymes and he's found out all kind of plum tales, just like little Jack Horner. He's unearthed the answers to some very curious questions...Who were Mary Quite Contrary and Georgie Porgie? How could Hey Diddle Diddle offer an essential astronomy lesson? And if Ring a Ring a Roses isn't about catching the plague, then what is it really about? This ingenious book delves into the hidden meanings of the nursery rhymes and songs we all know so well and discovers all kinds of strange tales ranging from Viking raids to firewalking and from political rebellion to slaves being smuggled to freedom. Full of vivid illustrations and with each verse reproduced, here are a multitude of surprising stories you won't be able to resist passing on to everyone you know. Your childhood songs and rhymes will never sound the same again.

Reviews

'An irresistible treasure-trove ... The way these gossipy little rhymes give us a snapshot of everyday life in centuries gone by is enchanting. You'll never look at nursery rhymes again in the same way' Daily Mirror

'The history behind nursery rhymes is not only highly specific but often splendidly grim. This book is a reminder of the riches below the surface: characters, jokes, events and stories' The Times

About the Author

Albert Jack’s Red Herrings and White Elephants was a huge international hit and was on the bestsellers list for six months. His second, Shaggy Dogs and Black Sheep was another success: selling over 70,000 copies. He is also the author of That's Bollocks! (all the strangest, sickest, funniest and most unforgettable urban legends as told in Jack's inimitable style) and Albert Jack's Ten-Minute Mysteries. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation