A Century of Charades
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1895. Hardcover. SCARCE. This is a very clever book of 100 short poems (or charades/riddles) for which the reader is expected to determine an answer. In the Preface, the author states that "to give an answer to a riddle is like explaining a joke - something never to be done, unless reluctantly .... but as we all like to be told when we are right ..." he has prepared a key at the back of the book by which a reader can verify the guessed answer. The key, however, does not provide the answer, but only provides confirmation. The poems are very ingenious and the answer key even more so. Bellamy followed with a Second Century of Charades in 1896, a Third Century of Charades in 1904, and several others. 16mo. Very good in light blue-green cloth with black illustration and gilt lettering. Spine slightly darkened, light rubbing to corners and spine ends, two small spots to top board. Front hinge is starting. Poetry. POE1/02261. Very Good.
Item #7256
Price: $30.00