blogis librorum. A blog about books. Rare books.

Born on March 2, 1904 Theodore Seuss Geisel was a cartoonist, poet, and author. Better known as Dr. Seuss, he wrote and illustrated some of the most beloved children's books of our time--and numerous humorous pieces for adults as well. A look at some of Dr. Seuss' iconic works:

Geisel wrote The Cat in the Hat (1957) in response to a challenge that he write a book that first graders couldn't put down. He claimed the book took nine months because of the difficulties of using a limited number of words. Only one word("another") has three syllables.

Perhaps an a propos reminder for today: "Will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed. (98¾% guaranteed.)" Oh, the Places You'll Go (1990)

 

Green Eggs and Ham (1960) was the result of a bet between Geisel and Bennet Cerf, his publisher. Cerf challenged Geisel to write a book using only fifty words, which Geisel accomplished with this best-selling children's story.

 

 "I meant what I said and I said what I meant, And an elephant's faithful, one hundred per cent!" Horton Hatches the Egg (1940)