Rude Rhymes [antikvár]

ForewordAh childhood! Time of blissful ignorance and innocence. Time when we adults must lower our voices when talking of sex; time when we should maintain a decent silence about what goes on behind the toilet-door.But hang on! What happens if you ask children what rhymes and jokes they know? Or even more interesting, what happens if you ask adults what rhymes and jokes they remember from their childhoodi" A flood of verses are sung or chanted at you. Various collections of these have been published, but it wasn't the whole picture and people asked: 'Where are all those rude rhymes we told each other when we were young? Aren't children telling them anymore?' Well, they are - but the rude ones were left out because they were too rude for the children!Now, at long last, in pocket format, ideal for train journey, winter evening or loo reading, come the missing rhymes. They have all been collected orally either from children who guessed I was too depraved to deprave or from adults remembering their childhood, who agreed I was depraved but discovered that they were too. If you're after being amazed and amused start at the beginning -but remember - not in front of the children, they may want to know why you're laughing.If you know any more, why not contribute to Volume II? Send your rhymes to Michael Rosen, c/o André Deutsch, 105, Great Russell Street, London WCIB 3LJ. Please give details of from whom, how old (or young), and where. Your reward will be a free copy and, if you're willing to own up to it, an acknowledgement.f il. '