Cobwebs from a Library Corner

Cobwebs from a Library Corner by John Kendrick Bangs is a delightfully witty collection of poetry that celebrates and gently lampoons the eccentric world of books and readers at the turn of the 20th century. Mixing light verse, satirical ballads, and reflective lyrics, Bangs mines the pleasures and absurdities of bibliomania—bookish obsessions, misplaced modesty, literary rivalries, and the quiet consolations of a well-loved library corner. Published in 1899, these poems sit squarely in the fin-de-siècle literary landscape, echoing Victorian tastes while previewing modern comedic sensibilities. Selections like the Bookworm Ballads and playful satires riff on familiar voices and public figures of the era, offering both nostalgic moods and sharp, humorous observations about authorship, criticism, and cultural pretension. The tone ranges from affectionate and nostalgic to slyly mordant, making each piece both readable and rewarding on repeat listens. Ideal for lovers of classic poetry, bibliophiles, and readers of literary humor, this audiobook brings Bangs’s elegant wit and period charm to life—perfect for anyone who delights in light verse, bookish meditations, and a cultured laugh.