Allies in Wilhelmsland by J.G.R.H. & C.T. (with apologies to “Alice in Wonderland”)
Published by ‘s.n’ in 1914- printed by Ford and Co.
J.G.R.H. is J.G. Russell Harvey and C.T. is Charles (or Charlie) Thomas: between them they seem to have written several wartime verse spoofs including Rhymes of the Times for War Babies of all Ages.
The included verses originally appeared in ‘The Bristol Times and Mirror’ and ‘The Western Daily Press”.
The book is really a pamphlet of 12 pages with parodies of some of the poems from Wonderland: all poking fun at the Kaiser.
Really tatty copy- all the pages are loose and the cover is in two pieces, but it’s the only one I’ve been able to find.
Notes on the text read:
Deutschland unter Alles.
“Sold for the benefit of the Belgian Refugees’ Relief Fund”
“The authors, J.G. Russell Harvey and Charles Thomas are much indebted to Messrs. A.W. Ford & Co., Ltd. Bristol, for printing this booklet at a purely nominal cost”
Very cool!
FYI, “s.n.” isn’t a person. it means “sine nomine,” or “without name” in English. A serious book collector should already know that.
Well, it’s a good job I’m not serious then. Thanks for the information, not so sure about the tone.
Dear Esther
I am researching Alice War Parodies and would be very interested to see all of Allies in Wilhelmsland. Might I ask you please for images of all pages? It would be extremely helpful and much appreciated!
Best wishes
Catherine Richards
Hi Catherine, it’s an incredibly fragile thing: I might have a go, but that may be the end of it…
I certainly won’t be able to scan it, but I might be able to take some photos.