Volume 30, Number 15 · October 13, 1983
A Feelthy Penguin
By Clive James
Bawdy Verse: A Pleasant Collection
edited by E.J. Burford
Penguin, 308 pp., $3.95 (paper)
Everything has been done to make this little anthology of off-color verse as repellent as possible. It is subtitled 'A Pleasant Collection,' for coyness. On the title page there is a jocular penguin reading a book equipped with a flagrant pair of fake boobs, for vulgarity. Finally there is the editor's introduction, for embarrassment. Ephraim John Burford, 'born and educated in the City of London,' is 'currently preparing a book on the rise of organized bawdry in London.' On top of this, he 'has also lectured on London and particularly old London Bridge for the City of London Society.' At least one resident of London has never bumped into Mr. Burford, but no doubt he is indoors a great deal, preparing his books and lectures.
Review, 2832 words
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