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The Purple Cow!

By Gelett Burgess
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Children & Young Adult ReadingPoetry

About This Book

A compact, playful lyric uses brisk, sing-song rhyme to present an impossible purple bovine and a speaker's tongue-in-cheek remark about seeing versus being it. Its brevity and absurd image function as a gentle parody of sentimental or fashionable verse, relying on childlike imagery, sharp concision, and ironic wit. Short, companion pieces and illustrations share the same light, irreverent spirit, producing a pocket of nonsense and visual whimsy that delights by subverting expectations.

About the Author

Burgess, Gelett portrait

Gelett Burgess

Gelett Burgess was an American author, poet, and illustrator known for his whimsical and humorous works. He gained popularity in the early 20th century with titles such as "The Purple Cow!" and "Goops and How to Be Them," which reflect his playful approach to language and social commentary. Burgess also contributed to lexicography with "Burgess Unabridged: A new dictionary of words you have always needed," showcasing his inventive spirit. His writings often blend satire and charm, making him a notable figure in American literary heritage.

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