Eric's Book of Beasts

Name: Eric's Book of Beasts
Author: David Starr Jordan

By David Starr Jordan

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Poetry

About This Book

A lively collection of short, whimsical poems paired with playful black-and-white drawings, addressed to a small boy and centered on animals both real and fanciful. Each brief piece sketches a creature or scene—domestic beasts, exotic species, mythical monsters, and imagined hybrids—mixing gentle humor, absurdity, and childlike perspective. The sequence alternates comic portraits, fanciful vignettes, and occasional reflective or fantastical interludes, creating a brisk, varied flow suitable for reading aloud. The tone is light and inventive, prioritizing amusing imagery and inventive wordplay over narrative continuity, and illustrations amplify the poems' visual humor.

About the Author

David Starr Jordan

David Starr Jordan (1851-1931) was an American ichthyologist, educator, and author, known for his significant contributions to the study of fish and his role in higher education. He served as the first president of Stanford University and was a prominent advocate for science and education. His notable works include "A Guide to the Study of Fishes," a comprehensive two-volume reference that reflects his expertise in ichthyology. In addition to his scientific writings, Jordan authored several books on philosophy and social issues, such as "The Philosophy of Despair" and "The Call of the Twentieth Century, an Address to Young Men," showcasing his diverse interests and commitment to public discourse.