Morgenstern regards the German language as an inspiration and a plaything. He has the wit and playfullness of Lewis Carrol and Edward Lear, but with the darker tone that the title "Gallows Songs" leads you to expect. Sometimes a little difficult -- it's hard to appreciate word play unless you really know the language, but always delightful. You won't regret entering into the world of Korf and Palmstroem.

A flight of fantasy for the eye and mind, this fun and fanciful book is a real treat! Lisbeth Zwerger's charming illustrations are the perfect match to the whimsical and sometimes peculiar words of Morgenstern's unique imagery. Bright and bold yet subtle and delicate, Lullabies, Lyrics and Gallows Songs is a true joy to look at and wonder about.

Most of the poems in this book are bilingual, in German and English. The first poem is surprising because a Latin version by Morgenstern on page 4, explained by Walter Arndt as being "probably just for the amusement of the educated (now termed 'elitists')" perfectly expresses the attitude of those who would like this poem to those who would be totally clueless here. "Lunovis videt somnium . . ." I say no more.