Humorous Readings and Recitations

This anthology of short humorous pieces was intended as a ready reference of material of all sorts to those who participated in public performance, whether professionally, or as part of a school or community program. The pieces themselves were intended to be read aloud, shared with, and appreciated by, an audience.

By : Leopold Wagner (1858 - )

00 - Preface 01 - Accompanied on the Flute 02 - The Troubles of a Triplet 03 - Slightly Deaf 04 - The Lady Freemason 05 - What Happened Last Night! 06 - The Fatal Legs 07 - The Caliph's Jester 08 - A Journey in Search of Nothing 09 - Gemini and Virgo 10 - King Bibbs 11 - Molly Muldoon 12 - The Harmonious Lobsters 13 - The Provincial Landlady 14 - My Matrimonial Predicament 15 - Etiquette 16 - Lost Shepherd 17 - Mathematic Madness 18 - Waiting at Tottlepot 19 - Married to a Giantess 20 - The Vision of the Alderman 21 - The Demon Snuffers 22 - The Walrus and the Carpenter 23 - My Brother Henry 24 - A Night with a Stork 25 - The Faithful Lovers 26 - The Wail of a Banner-Bearer 27 - The Dream of the Bilious Beadle 28 - My Friend Treacle 29 - The Voice of the Sluggard 30 - Artemus Ward's Visit to the Tower of London 31 - Mr. Caudle has lent an Acquaintance the Family Umbrella 32 - Domestic Asides 33 - The Charity Dinner 34 - Acting with a Vengeance 35 - My Fortnight at Wretchedville 36 - The Sorrows of Werther 37 - Moral Music 38 - Billy Dumps, the Tailor 39 - On Punning 40 - Seaside Lodgings

In introducing to the public a Third Series of "Popular Readings," I consider it merely necessary to state that the courtesy of authors and publishers has enabled me to bring together a choice selection of humorous pieces which have acquired a large share of popularity, in addition to a number of others that may justly be regarded as novelties.

Concerning the former, I have so often had occasion to answer inquiries respecting particular pieces for recitation, that it occurred to me the handy collection of those most generally sought after, but hitherto scattered through various publications, would be welcomed by many; and I took steps accordingly. How far I have succeeded in my purpose a glance at the Contents-list will show. For the fresh matter admitted to these pages, I sincerely trust that from among so many new candidates for popularity, at least one or two of them may be elected to represent the Penny Reading Constituents of each respective Borough for some time to come.

Once more I beg to express my indebtedness and thanks to those authors and publishers who have so generously placed their copyright pieces at my disposal.