Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes by Harry Graham

Delightfully dark and wickedly witty, Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes is a cult classic of Edwardian black humor.

In this mischievous collection of verse, Harry Graham turns domestic life on its head with a series of short, shockingly funny poems that blend innocent rhyme with macabre twists. Whether it’s misbehaving children meeting grim fates or absurd domestic mishaps delivered with deadpan cheer, Graham’s rhymes revel in the unexpected—and the unapologetically inappropriate.

First published in the early 1900s, this little book of literary mischief paved the way for later satirists like Edward Gorey and Roald Dahl. Perfect for fans of gallows humor, clever wordplay, and anyone who enjoys their poetry with a deliciously sinister edge.