Summary
This book is a collection of poems and parodies that blend classical references with American humor and everyday life. The central argument is that art and fame require a consistent, simple design rather than ornate complexity, as stated in the moral: "Compose what you may, / And fame will be ever far distant, / Unless you combine with a simple design / A treatment in toto consistent." The poems range from Horace translations and paraphrases (e.g., "Horace's Ode to 'Lydia' Roche," "Horace I., 23") to original pieces on baseball ("Report of the Baseball Game," "Kansas City vs. Detroit"), journalism ("Chicago Newspaper Life," "The Great Journalist in Japan"), and romantic ballads like "Penn-Yan Bill." The book also includes light verse on domestic topics ("Our Baby," "The Color that Suits Me Best") and drinking songs ("Three Rineland Drinking Songs"). A reader takes away the author's playful integration of classical forms with American settings, emphasizing that lasting work emerges from unpretentious, coherent craftsmanship.
Key concepts
- "A treatment in toto consistent" — The principle that artistic success requires a unified, simple design rather than elaborate or inconsistent elements.
- Horace paraphrases — Adaptations of Horace's odes into English, often with modern or humorous twists (e.g., "Horace on His Muscle," "Horace in Love Again").
- "Penn-Yan Bill" — A character in a ballad who finds romantic fulfillment in a Kentucky setting, representing idealized love.
- "The Mighty West" — A poem or section title reflecting the book's engagement with American regional themes.
- "Ars Poetica" of Horace — A classical treatise on poetry, referenced and parodied within the collection.
- "Baseball Score" and "Report of the Baseball Game" — Poems that apply poetic form to sports reporting, blending high and low culture.
From the book
Title: Dance of the Happy Shades by Alice Munro← Hoosier Lyrics ( 1905 ) by Eugene Field → 5061842 Hoosier Lyrics 1905 Eugene Field H oosier L yrics HOOSIER LYRIC S by EUGENE FIELD AUTHOR OF THE CLINK OF THE ICE, JOHN SMITH, U. S. A, IN WINK-A-WAY-LAND, ETC. M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY CHICAGO, ILL . SELECTED WORKS of EUGENE FIELD Uniform with this volume The Clink of the Ice Hoosier Lyrics In Wink-a-Way Land John Smith, U.S. A. Four volumes, boxed, $3.00 Single volumes, 75 cents, postpaid M. A. DONOHUE & CO. 701-727 S.DEARBORN ST. CHICAGO Copyright, 1905 M. A. Donohue & Co. INTRODUCTION. From whatever point of view the character of Eugene Field is seen, genius—rare and quaint presents itself in childlike simplicity. That he was a poet of keen perception, of rare discrimination, all…
Popular questions readers ask
- The introduction characterizes Eugene Field's genius and humor by comparing him to several well-known figures of his time. How would you explain Field's unique literary niche and what made his writing distinctive, based solely on these comparisons and descriptions?
- Charles Walter Brown states he had a "bond of friendliness" with Field. How does Brown's personal connection influence the introduction's overall message and its persuasive power regarding Field's legacy?
- The introduction suggests Field's work balances themes of the "child-world" with appeals to "older children of men." How does the table of contents provide evidence for both aspects of his writing, or perhaps challenge this tidy categorization?
- Brown asserts that Field bestowed "priceless truths." Based on the poetic themes hinted at in the introduction and the titles listed in the table of contents, what specific *types* of "priceless truths" do you believe Field aimed to communicate through his poetry?
- The text functions as an entry point to Field's collected works. If you were trying to explain the *value* of reading Eugene Field to someone unfamiliar with him, what key aspects from this excerpt would you highlight, and why would these resonate with a modern reader?