'Neither Here nor There' Summary

Neither Here nor There is a collection of poems, stories, and illustrations by Oliver Herford, first published in 1922. The book is a whimsical and playful exploration of the world, with a focus on nonsense and humor.

The poems in Neither Here nor There are often absurdist and nonsensical, but they are also full of wisdom and insight. Herford's characters are often animals or inanimate objects, but they are always relatable and human. For example, in the poem "The Jumblies," Herford tells the story of a group of sailors who set sail in a sieve and end up in a land of "glasses" and "tables." The poem is both funny and thought-provoking, as it explores the idea of what it means to be lost and found.

The stories in Neither Here nor There are just as delightful as the poems. They are full of adventure, magic, and surprises. Herford's imagination is boundless, and he takes his readers on a journey to a world of make-believe. For example, in the story "The Adventures of the Three Bears," Herford tells the story of three bears who go for a walk in the woods and leave their porridge unattended. When they return, they find that a little girl has eaten their porridge and fallen asleep in their beds. The story is both funny and suspenseful, as the bears try to figure out what to do with the little girl.

The illustrations in Neither Here nor There are by Herford himself, and they perfectly complement the text. They are whimsical and charming, and they help to bring Herford's world to life. For example, the illustration for the poem "The Jumblies" shows the sailors sailing in their sieve, surrounded by a sea of glasses and tables. The illustration is both funny and creative, and it perfectly captures the absurdity of the poem.

Neither Here nor There is a book that will make you laugh, think, and dream. It is a perfect escape from the everyday world, and it is a book that you will come back to again and again.