Origin of Limericks: Was Limerick the Birthplace?
In the year 1907, Britain found itself captivated by a curious phenomenon – the limerick craze. Freelance writer Martin Fone, in his exploration of the history of the Olympics and its eccentricities, delved into this unique period where limericks, a humorous and accessible poetic form, became a national sensation.
The limerick, a five-line verse with a distinctive rhythm and rhyme scheme, can trace its roots back to the 13th century, with Thomas Aquinas penning one of the earliest known examples. Fast forward to the 19th century, and it was Edward Lear who is credited with establishing the normal format of a limerick as we know it today.
The limerick craze began in January 1907, when the London Opinion and Truth magazine launched a limerick competition. This competition, along with the iconic Kitchener poster associated with the magazine, helped to fuel the craze. The popularity of limericks soared, attracting significant attention from foreign press in September 1907, with millions competing for prizes.
The scale of the limerick craze was evident in the increase in the sale of sixpenny postal orders from less than a million to over 11 million in 1907. However, the craze also raised concerns. In October 1907, an editorial in The Sphere denounced the limerick craze as potentially causing harm. Punch magazine, too, noted potential issues, such as the address of one limerick competition winner being the London County Asylum.
Despite these concerns, the limerick craze continued to grow, becoming a part of British culture for a brief but memorable period. By the end of 1907, the craze had disappeared as quickly as it had surfaced, leaving behind a legacy that remains to this day. Limericks, to this day, remain one of the nation's most popular types of poems.
The term 'limerick' was popularized by the Irish Literary Revival in the late 19th century, with Aubrey Beardsley being one of the first to use the term in a letter in May 1896. The city of Limerick, Ireland, even has a historical connection to the limerick, with the White House in O'Connell Street boasting a plaque with a limerick written on it.
In conclusion, the limerick craze of 1907 was a fascinating episode in British cultural history. While it was a passing fad, it left an indelible mark on the nation's literary landscape, ensuring that the limerick remains a cherished form of poetry to this day.
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