SCHILLER (Justin): Nonsensus, Cross-referencing Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense.
Stroud: Catalpa Press, 1988.ISBN# 0 904995 13 5.With an introduction by Vivien Noakes. With black and white illustrations throughout.Oblong 8vo., 133 pp.; printed pictorial wrappers.

This volume cross-references Edward Lear’s original 116 limericks for his Book of Nonsense from 8 known holograph manuscripts prepared by Lear, and compares them to printed texts from the 1846, 1855 and 1861 printed versions; together with a census of the 23 known copies of the genuine first printing. Produced to coincide with the centenary of Edward Lear’s death.

Fascinating comparative study of Lear’s evolving text, correlating that contained in his first three printed versions with his original manuscripts.  It demonstrates how words are played with and texts juggled at different times of his life.   First edition