
The Absurd ABC
by Walter Crane
- Reading level
- Plain English
- Price
- Free
About the book
"The Absurd ABC" by Walter Crane is a whimsical alphabet book written in the late 19th century. This playful work serves as an engaging introduction to the letters of the alphabet, blending imaginative verse with illustrations to capture the curiosity of young readers. It presents a series of absurd and humorous associations for each letter, showcasing a lively and entertaining take on traditional nursery rhymes and stories. The book features a clever and amusing approach to each letter of the alphabet, where Crane ingeniously pairs words with delightful characters and scenarios. From "A for the APPLE" to "Z for the Zany," readers are taken through a playful journey that includes a baby, a cat playing a fiddle, Humpty Dumpty, and various other fun and recognizable figures from children's folklore. Each entry is accompanied by engaging, rhythmic text that makes learning the alphabet enjoyable, making "The Absurd ABC" a charming resource for both children and adults alike.
- Children's poetry
- Alphabet books
- Alphabet rhymes
Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #17283.
More free books by Walter Crane
About Walter CraneLine and Form (1900)
The Baby's Own Aesop
The Bases of Design
William Morris to Whistler
The Baby's Opera
Of the Decorative Illustration of Books Old and New
The Baby's Bouquet
Ideals in Art
The Frog Prince and Other Stories
India Impressions, With some notes of Ceylon during a winter tour, 1906-7.
A Flower Wedding
Walter Crane's Painting Book











